Pea Soup With Ham

Classic pea soup.

• Ready In: 1 hr 10 mins
• Serves: 10
• Yields: 10 1 cup servings

Ingredients

• 1  tablespoon olive oil
• 2  cups yellow onions, chopped
• 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
• 1⁄2 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
• 1⁄4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1  tablespoon garlic, chopped
• 1  bay leaf
• 1  lb  split peas, picked over and rinsed
• 8  cups  fat-free low-sodium chicken broth
• 1  cup milk
• 1  lb ham steak, cut into 1 inch pieces
•  hot sauce (optional)

Directions

1. In a large soup pot over medium-high heat, heat the oil.
2. Add the onions.
3. Season with salt, pepper, crushed red pepper.
4. Saute for 2 minutes.
5. Add the garlic, bay leaf, and split peas and cook, stirring for 1 minute.
6. Add the broth and ham.
7. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium, and simmer stirring occasionally, for 1 hour or more, until the peas are tender.
8. Remove from the heat and let cool slightly.
9. Remove the bay leaf and discard.
10. Add the milk and, using a hand-held blender or potato masher, process until smooth.
11. Add the hot sauce if desired and serve hot.