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soup

Pea Soup with Ham

This is a classic pea soup that gets a lot of flavor from the onions and ham.
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Prep Time 10 mins
Cook Time 1 hr
Total Time 1 hr 10 mins
Servings 10

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 cups yellow onions chopped
  • 1 ⁄2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 ⁄2 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
  • 1 ⁄4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1 tablespoon garlic chopped
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 lb split peas picked over and rinsed
  • 8 cups fat-free low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 lb ham diced into small pieces
  • 1 c milk
  • hot sauce to taste, optional

Instructions
 

  • In a large soup pot over medium-high heat, heat the oil.
  • Add the onions.
  • Season with salt, pepper, crushed red pepper.
  • Saute for 2 minutes.
  • Add the garlic, bay leaf, and split peas and cook, stirring for 1 minute.
  • Add the broth and ham.
  • Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium, and simmer stirring occasionally, for 1 hour or more, until the peas are tender.
  • Remove from the heat and let cool slightly.
  • Remove the bay leaf and discard.
  • Add the milk and, using a hand-held blender or potato masher, process until smooth.
  • Add the hot sauce if desired and serve hot.