HAM AND SPLIT PEA SOUP

With the slightly sweet, somewhat salty, and subtly smoky flavor of the ham, this hearty soup is the ideal winter soup — a great one for lunches, or as a starter for dinner.

INGREDIENTS

2 tablespoons butter
½ onion, diced
2 celery sticks, sliced
3 cloves garlic, sliced
500g ham, diced
1 bay leaf
500g dried split peas
1ltr chicken stock
750 ml water
salt and ground black pepper to taste

METHOD

Place the butter in a large soup pot over medium-low heat. Stir in onion, celery, and sliced garlic. Cook slowly until the onions are translucent but not brown, 10 minutes.

Mix in ham, bay leaf, and split peas. Pour in chicken stock and water. Stir to combine, and simmer slowly until the peas are tender and the soup is thick, about 1 hour and 15 minutes.

Stir occasionally. Season with salt and black pepper to serve.

Original recipe BBC Good Food