Split Pea with Ham (CS)

By hmp13

This makes really good soup. Customers loved it.

Has been doubled.

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 cup finely diced celery
• 4 cups finely diced carrots
• 4 cups finely diced onions
• 4 cloves garlic, smashed
• 4 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme leaves
• 4 bay leaves
• 1 cup smoked country ham, dices (alternately, a ham bone)
• 2 pound split peas, rinsed and drained
• 3 tablespoons salt
• 3/4 tablespoon ground black pepper

Preparation

Step 1

In a large stockpot over medium high heat, warm the olive oil. Sauté the celery, carrots, onions, garlic, thyme and bay leaves until tender, or for 5 minutes. Add the ham to the mixture and continue sautéing for 10 more minutes.

Stir in the peas, making sure they are incorporated into the mixture. Lower the heat to medium and add 10 quarts (40 cups) water.

Bring the soup to a boil and simmer, uncovered, for 1 hour and 30 minutes. Remove the bay leaves. Season with salt and pepper and serve warm.