# Ingredient list:
→ Meats
01 - 1 leftover ham bone with attached meat
02 - 1 cup cooked ham, diced
→ Vegetables
03 - 1 large onion, diced
04 - 2 carrots, peeled and diced
05 - 2 celery stalks, diced
06 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
07 - 1 bay leaf
→ Legumes
08 - 2 cups dried split peas, rinsed and sorted
→ Liquids
09 - 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth or water
→ Seasonings
10 - 1 teaspoon dried thyme
11 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
12 - Salt to taste
# Step-by-Step Guide:
01 - Heat a splash of oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add diced onion, carrots, and celery; cook for 5 minutes until softened.
02 - Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
03 - Add split peas, ham bone, bay leaf, dried thyme, and black pepper to the pot. Pour in chicken broth.
04 - Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally until peas are tender and soup thickens.
05 - Take out the ham bone and bay leaf. When cool enough, remove any meat from the bone and return it to the pot along with the diced ham.
06 - Taste the soup and season with salt and additional pepper as needed.
07 - For creamier texture, partially puree the soup with an immersion blender if desired.
08 - Ladle hot soup into bowls and serve, optionally with crusty bread.
