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Ingredients
Scale
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cups finely diced onion (2 medium onions)
- 1 cup finely diced carrots (2 to 3 large carrots)
- 1 cup finely diced celery (3 to 4 stalks)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic (4 cloves)
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1–1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1–1/2 cups green split peas (rinsed; old split peas may not soften)
- 2 small bay leaves (or 1 large)
- 1 meaty ham bone (or ham hocks, plus more ham if desired)
- 8 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
- Fresh thyme leaves (optional)
- Hearty buttered bread (for serving)
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat olive oil.
- Add diced onions, carrots, celery, and cook until softened.
- Stir in garlic, Italian seasoning, cumin, thyme, and red pepper flakes.
- Add split peas, ham bone, and chicken broth; bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 60-90 minutes.
- Add additional ham if desired, remove ham bone and bay leaves.
- Blend a portion for a creamier texture if preferred.
- Season and serve with hearty bread.
Notes
Rinse split peas to remove debris for even cooking.
Adjust seasoning at the end for best flavor.
Be cautious with salt if using salty broth or ham.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 90 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Simmer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 3
- Sodium: 400
- Fat: 6
- Saturated Fat: 1
- Unsaturated Fat: 5
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 36
- Fiber: 10
- Protein: 15
- Cholesterol: 25