Split Pea and *Drier's* Ham Soup

By cdrier

Ingredients

• 1 T. unsalted Butter
• 1 C. onion, diced
• 1 C. celery, diced
• 1 C. carrot, sliced
• 1/4 C. dry sherry
• 4 C. chicken broth
• 2 C. water
• 1 C. green split peas, rinsed
• 2 Strips thick-sliced *Drier's* bacon
• 2 t. fresh thyme leaves
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 C. frozen green peas
• 2 C. *Drier's* ham, diced
• 1/2 C. minced fresh parsley
• 2 T. unsalted butter,
• salt pepper to taste
• 1/2 C. sour cream
• 1 T lemon zest, minced
• 1 T. minced fresh mint

Details

Servings 6

Preparation

Step 1

Sweat onion,celery, and carrot in butter for the soup in a large pot, covered, over med. high heat. Cook 3-4 min. or until vegetables are soft.
Deglaze with sherry: reduce until nearly evaporated. Add broth, water,split peas, bacon and seasonings. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to med.-low, and simmer, partially covered, 50-60 min. or until peas are tender. Remove bacon and bay leaf, then puree 2 cups of soup in a blender, return the pureed mixture to the pot.
Sir in frozen peas, ham, parsley, butter,salt, and pepper.
Combine sour cream, zest and mint for the creama in a bowl. Garnish soup with a dollop of crema and sprig of mint if desired.