Split Pea Soup with Ham

Mike and I have had colds lately so we've been laying low. Mike requested split pea soup so here it is. I had no leftover ham and all the hams at the store looked like they had been injected with water and chemicals so I bought 2 slices of organic non cured ham (no nitrates!). If you prefer use smoked turkey.

Split Pea Soup with Ham

14 ounces organic green split peas
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1 red onion, diced
2 garlic cloves, split, cored and pressed
2 carrots, diced
2 stalks of celery, diced
approximately 8 cups chicken stock
2 large slices ham, chopped
1 bay leaf
2 teaspoons thyme
kosher salt and pepper

Heat olive oil in large pot. Add onion and cook until it begins to soften. Add garlic and cook until fragrant. Add carrots and celery and cook about 3 minutes. Add chicken stock and bay leaf and bring to a boil. Add peas and cook approximately 60 minutes. Add the ham and thyme and season with salt and pepper. Cook until peas soft and ham heated through, about 30 minutes. Taste and season accordingly.

I'm serving this with warm crusty bread and red wine.

Enjoy!