HAM & SPLIT PEA SOUP

Don’t toss that ham bone. Warm your body and soul with this relatively healthy recipe. Tastes like a good ham and split pea soup should, like home.  

Ingredients

• 5 carrots, chopped

• 4 stalks celery, chopped

• 1 large white onion, chopped

• 5 cloves garlic, chopped

• 1-2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 

1 medium sweet potato, skinned and chopped

• 2 yukon potatoes, skinned and chopped

• 2 cups ham, chopped

• 1 ham bone (optional but recommended)

• 6-8 sprigs fresh thyme

• 3 bay leaves

• 1 lb split peas

• 1 cup bone broth (preferably homemade)

• 4 cups chicken broth (or 5 cups if not using bone broth)

• 4 cups water (or more, to cover)

Preparation 

1. Heat olive oil in dutch oven medium heat

2. Add carrots, celery, onion and garlic. Season generously with salt and pepper, and sauté for 10 minutes (or until veg are softened) stirring frequently

3. Add potatoes, season with salt and pepper, and sauté for another 8 minutes

4. Add in ham, thyme, bay leaves, split peas (and ham bone, if you have it)

5. Pour in bone broth, chicken broth and water to cover

6. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 1 hour (or as to your desired consistency), stirring from time to time

7. Remove thyme, bay leaves and ham bone

8. Serve hot with Grilled Bread

Serves 6-8.

Source: Jamie Harbron of Prosciutto Happiness