Homemade Split Pea and Ham Soup is a classic, comforting soup, perfect for the cold winter weather. Thick with heart-healthy split peas, chunks of smoky ham and lots of nutritious vegetables. Top with crisp bacon crumbles and serve with chunks of crusty bread.
1medium fennel bulbtrimmed, core removed and chopped
4clovesgarlicchopped
1pounddried split peasrinsed under cool water and drained
1-½poundslean hamdiced
8cupschicken broth
1teaspoonsalt
½teaspoonfreshly ground black pepper
2bay leaf
6sprigs fresh thymetied together
Prevent your screen from going dark
Instructions
In a large pot set over medium-high heat, add the diced bacon and cook until crisp. Remove the bacon and drain on a paper towel lined plate and reserve.
Add the onions and cook, stirring, for 2 minutes then add the celery, carrots and fennel. Cook, stirring, until just soft, about 3 minutes. Add the garlic and cook, stirring, for 30 seconds.
Stir in the drained peas and the diced ham. Pour in the chicken broth and add the salt, pepper, bay leaves and thyme bundle. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the peas are tender, about 1 hour.
Remove and discard the bay leaves and thyme bundle. Adjust the seasoning, to taste, and serve immediately with the reserved crisp bacon bits on top.