split pea soup

By sanmo_babe

Ingredients

• 1 lb dried split peas
• 1 ham hock
• 3 T unsalted butter
• 1 c finely chopped yellow onion
• 1/2 c finely chopped celery
• 1/2 c finely chopped carrot
• 2 tsp minced garlic
• 1 tsp salt
• 3/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 8 c water 1 bay leaf

Preparation

Step 1

1. score the ham hock. brown up the ham hock. add the onions, carrots, celery and cook, stirring, until just soft, about 3 minutes. add the garlic and cook, stirring, for 30 seconds. add the peas, salt, pepper, and cook, stirring for 2 minutes.

3. add water, bay leaf and cook, stirring occasionally until the peas are tender, about 1 hour. (add more water as needed).

4. remove the bay leaf and ham hock and adjust the seasonings to taste. take ham off bone.

5. puree and add cut up ham hock (if desired).