Creamy Ham and Split Pea Soup

 Leftover ham is perfect for this and add the ham bone too!  This soup is delicious.  Good old comfort food!!!!

Creamy Ham and Split Pea Soup

(without any cream)

2 Tbs Olive oil

1 large onion

2 large carrots

2 stalks of celery

4 cloves of garlic

1/4 tsp Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (or to taste)

1 bay leaf

1 pkg Green Split Peas, rinsed

2 cartons Vegetable stock or Chicken stock

1 Ham bone and any extra ham pieces, chopped

(you can also use 2-3 ham hocks)

In a large pot, heat oil over medium high heat.  Saute onions, carrots and celery until onions are tender, 5 min.  Stir in the garlic, pepper flakes, 1 tsp. salt, 1/2 tsp pepper and bay leaf, saute 2 min.  Stir in peas and stock and add ham.  Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally for 1 hour or until peas are tender.  Remove the ham bone and pull of ham any extra and set aside.  Cool slightly; discard bay leaf.  Blend in a blender or with an immersion blender until smooth or leave it a little courser if you like it that way.   Remember to add the ham back in! 

Season to taste  ENJOY!