Split Pea Soup with Crispy Ham

Soup is a funny thing. It calms you when you are anxious, it soothes you when you are upset, and it makes you feel better when you are sick.

Yet so many of us do not really think of soup as a year round, go to meal. Yes, we eat it as a starter sometimes in a restaurant, or make it conveniently out of a can, but we don't make as much soup from scratch as we should.  And let me tell you, soup in it's purest form, with just a few basic ingredients, is the best remedy, healthiest meal and most heartwarming liquid in a bowl that there is.

So, when you are feeling up for it, make a huge pot. Portion it. Freeze it. Keep it around for rainy days or surprise visits by friends. It will be the best thing you ever did. You will see.

Split Pea Soup with Crispy Ham

Makes about 8 cups

1 tbsp Olive Oil

1 1/2 Large Onion, peeled and chopped

3 Celery Stalks, chopped

2 Large Carrots, chopped

5 Cloves Garlic, peeled

2 cups Green Split Peas

2 Bay Leaves

1 1/2 tsp Dried Thyme

Water

Salt and Pepper

Olive Oil

Cooked Ham Slices or prosciutto, cut into strips

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the onions, celery, carrots and garlic, and cook until they just start to soften (about 10-12 minutes). 

Stir in the split peas, bay leaves and dried thyme. Then fill the pot with water to cover the veggies and peas by a couple of inches. Reduce to simmer, cover, and cook for about 30 minutes until peas and all veggies are completely soft. Remove bay leaves and blend with an immersion blender until smooth. Add more water if the soup is too thick. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

In a small frying pan, add a drizzle of olive oil. Add the ham strips and cook until crispy. Use as garnish on top of the soup.