split pea soup - meat and veg options

Serves 7

Ingredients

2 ribs celery
1 leaves bay leaf
6 cup vegetable broth
2 cup green split peas, dried
1 unit onion
1 cup carrots
2 clove garlic, minced
0.7 lb ham
1 taste salt
1 taste pepper
0.5 tsp dried marjoram
0.5 tsp basil
0.25 tsp cumin
1 unit hambone, optional

Directions

Because we make so much, the peas take forever to soften, so ideally, start soaking the peas at least a couple hours before.

Chop the vegetables into bite sized chunks.

In 2 large pots, combine everything but the ham; bring to a boil. Add the ham (and optional hambone) to one pot.

Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 1 hour or until peas are tender, stirring occasionally.

Cool slightly. In small batches, puree soup in a blender; return to the pan. Heat before serving if it gets too cold.