Soup 4: Split Pea with Ham

​Another one of my favorite soups Split Pea with Ham.  Love of this soup also goes back to my childhood.  Its rich, filling, earthy and sweet. You can whirl it up with a blender if you like it smooth and add in the ham afterwards or do as I do and leave it rather rustic.  I use a few more vegetables than your average recipe calls for, which boost nutrition.

I made this soup right around Halloween... With the green and Orange its a very fallish soup in my mind. 

​Recipe Below: 

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Ingredients:
1 1/2 cup split pea
3 cups good quality diced ham
2 carrots
2 stalks celery
1 bulb fennel
2 Tbs dill
2 Tbs minced garlic
2 Tbs better than bullion chicken base
2 bay leaves
Olive Oil
Butter (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
7 cups water.

​Instructions: 
Clean vegetables and peel the carrots. Rough chop.
Chop good quality ham into bite size pieces.
Rinse the split peas
In 5 quart soup pot drizzle olive oil and about 2 Tbs butter and mix in vegetables until they start to soften.
Add the ham and stir
Add the dill, garlic, salt and pepper and the better than bullion.
Add the rinsed split peas and bay leaves.
Cover with 7 cups water. (For a thicker soup use 6.. I like mine a little runny.
Bring to boil and then reduce to a simmer and cook till peas and veggies are tender. (About 2 hours) (honestly it was probably done sooner but I took a nap)
Adjust seasonings to your liking
Enjoy!