Split Pea Soup

By twironen

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp. butter
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 stalks celery, chopped
• 3 carrots, sliced or diced
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme
• Salt & pepper to taste
• 2 cups of dried split peas
• 6 cups broth of choice. I used turkey broth but you could use chicken or vegetable broth.
• 1 smoked ham hock or ham bone (omit if you are a vegetarian)

Preparation

Step 1

In a large, heavy pot (about 4 quarts in size) melt the butter and add the vegetables, and cook until the onions are soft. Add the bay leaves, thyme, and salt & pepper and stir. Add the split peas and stir to coat with the spices and the butter, then add the broth and the ham hock/ham bone. Turn heat down to low, cover, and simmer for a hour. Check on the soup. It should be creamy and soft, but not so thick that it's like a pea loaf. If it's getting too thick, add a little more broth. The soup is ready when the peas are soft, about a hour to a hour & half.