Hearty Pea and Ham Soup

Ingredients

Green split peas

1 cup, rinsed and drained

Diced ham

1 cup

Ham bone

1, meaty

Chicken broth

6 cups

Onion

1, diced

Carrots

2, diced

Celery

2 stalks, diced

Garlic

3 cloves, minced

Bay leaf

1

Salt

to taste

Pepper

to taste

Instructions

1. Rinse the split peas under cold water and set aside.
2. In a large pot over medium heat, add the ham bone, diced onion, carrots, celery, and minced garlic. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
3. Add the rinsed split peas, diced ham, chicken broth, bay leaf, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for about 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the peas are soft and the soup has thickened.
5. Once cooked, carefully remove the ham bone from the soup. If there is any meat left on the bone, shred it off and return the meat to the soup.
6. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
7. Serve the soup hot, optionally with crusty bread or fresh herbs sprinkled on top for added flavor and presentation.