Split Pea and Ham Soup

This is a great soup for a cold day!  This is a perfect way to use up leftover ham. 

 

2 TBS oil
2 medium onions, chopped
3 ribs celery, chopped
3 carrots, chopped
3 garlic cloves, chopped
1 bag split peas
8 cups water
1 ham bone or 1 cup ham, cubed
1/4 tsp thyme
3 medium red potatoes, peeled & diced 
1 tsp salt

additional water if necessary

Saute onions, celery, carrots and garlic in 2 TBS oil for 5 minutes.
Add bag of split peas, water, ham bone and thyme.
Bring to a boil and simmer for 1 hour.

Add potatoes.  Simmer for another 30 minutes.

Remove ham bone and pull meat off and set aside.

Using an immersion blender or potato masher, blend some of the soup.  Add ham meat and 1 tsp salt.  Add up to 2 cups water if too thick.

Eileen