Split Pea Soup With Ham

Easy and inexpensive to make. Great winter soup.

• Ready In: 1 hr 15 mins
• Serves: 6

Ingredients

• 2  tablespoons butter
• 1  cup  chopped onion
• 2  garlic cloves, minced
• 3  carrots, peeled and chopped fine
• 3  celery ribs, chopped fine, include leaves
• 2  quarts water
• 4  chicken bouillon cubes
• 1  lb  dried split peas
• 1⁄2 teaspoon pepper
• 1⁄2 teaspoon thyme
• 1⁄4-1⁄2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 8  ounces cooked ham, chopped
•  salt, if needed to taste

Directions

1. In a large soup pot, melt butter. Saute the onions and garlic for about 3 - 4 minutes.
2. Add the chopped carrots and celery to the pot. Cook for another 3-4 minutes.
3. Add to the pot, the water, boillioun cubes, split peas, pepper, thyme, red pepper flakes, and chopped ham.
4. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat.
5. Cover and simmer for 1 hour until split peas are very tender. Smash some of the peas in the pot with a masher; if desired.
6. Taste and add salt, if needed.