Easy Split Pea Soup

 

INGREDIENTS

1 large onion, chopped fine (about 1 1/2 cups)

2 medium garlic cloves, minced or pressed through a garlic press (about 2 teaspoons)

8 cups vegetable broth, chicken broth or water

1 ham  hock

1 pound green split peas (about 2 cups), picked through and rinsed

2 sprigs fresh thyme

2 medium carrots, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch pieces (about 1 cup)

1 medium celery rib, cut into 1/2-inch pieces (about 1 cup)

Ground black pepper and salt to taste

Croutons for garnish

Directions

Place all the infredioents in a Dutch Oven and bring the mixture to a voulo.

Lower the heat to a simmer. Partially cover the pot and cook until the sauce has thickened, about 90 minutes. Discard the ham hock. With a hand blender puree the soup.

Serve in soup bowls with croutons. We like grilled cheese sandwiches with this soup