Split Pea with Ham Soup 

 

2 cups split peas
¼ cup olive oil
½ cup grated carrots
1 cup finely chopped onion
1 clove garlic, minced
½ cup dices celery
¼ c minced parsley
2½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon freshly ground pepper
Pinch dried basil
1 bay leaf
1 cup milk
1 cup cooked ham

1.  Wash the split peas and soak them for 1 hour in warm water. Drain
2.  Bring 2½ quarts of water to a boil.
3.  Add split peas and simmer for 2½ hours, stirring occasionally.
4.  Heat olive oil in large skillet.
5.  Sauté carrots, onion, garlic, and celery for 10 minutes.
6.  Add all ingredients except milk and ham to split peas.
7.  Simmer 30 minutes
8.  Remove bay leaf.
9.  Purée the soup 2 – 3 minutes with an electric blender.
10. Return mixture to kettle and stir in the milk and ham.
11. Reheat 10 – 15 minutes.

Serve with fresh baked French bread or crackers.