Den's Split Pea Soup And Ham

Total Time: 4 hrs 20 mins Preparation Time: 20 mins Cook Time: 4 hrs

Ingredients

• Servings: 16
• 3 lbs yellow split peas (one pound reserved)
• 1 ham hocks or 1 ham bone
• 8 cups chicken stock (2 store bought boxes)
• 7 -8 cups water
• 1/2 lb bacon
• 2 large carrots (finely chopped)
• 2 large onions (finely chopped)
• 2 celery ribs (finely chopped) (optional)
• 4 garlic cloves (minced)
• 6 -7 sprigs fresh thyme (or 2 tsp dried thyme, or 2 tsp ground savory)
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 tablespoon kosher salt (or 2, i prefer allowing people to add salt @ the table)
• 2 tablespoons fresh ground pepper

Recipe

• 1 - slice bacon into 1" squares, then fry, set aside, (reserve drippings).
• 2 - rinse and sort out unwanted peas.
• 3 - in a large pot, combine two thirds of the peas with water and stock, bring to a boil.
• 4 - meanwhile, chop carrot, onions celery, and garlic, then saute in bacon fat for 2 minutes.
• 5 - ounce peas are boiling, turn down to low, add ham hock, bacon, sauteed vegetables, whole sprigs of thyme, bay leaves, salt, and pepper.
• 6 - simmer 2 to 3 hours stirring occasionally, until peas are softened.
• 7 - remove ham, thyme sprigs, and bay leaves.
• 8 - remove bone and fat from ham, then dice up ham.
• 9 - return ham along with reserved peas, ( this will provide that wonderful texture).
• 10 - stirring occasionally, simmer for 1 to 2 additional hours or until it reaches desired consistency.
• 11 - add salt and pepper to taste, enjoy!