View source for Split Pea and Ham Soup

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=Ingredients=

'''<big>2</big>''' Tablespoons unsalted butter<br>'''<big>1</big>''' large onion, chopped fine<br>Salt and Pepper<br>'''<big>2</big>''' garlic cloves, minced<br>'''<big>7</big>''' cups water<br>'''<big>1</big>''' pound ham steak, rind removed, cut into quarters<br>'''<big>1</big>''' pound ('''2<sup>1</sup>/<sub>4</sub>''' cups) green split peas, picked over and rinsed<br>'''<big>3</big>''' slices thick-cut bacon<br>'''<big>2</big>''' sprigs fresh thyme<br>'''<big>2</big>''' bay leaves<br>'''<big>2</big>''' carrots, peeled and cut into '''<sup>1</sup>/<sub>2</sub>''' inch pieces<br>'''<big>1</big>''' celery rib, cut into '''<sup>1</sup>/<sub>2</sub>''' inch pieces<br><br>'''<big>1</big>''' recipe Buttery Croutons (recipe follows)<br>

=Instructions=

'''Melt''' <span style="background:lightgreen">butter</span> in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat.<br>'''Add''' <span style="background:lightgreen">onion</span> and <sup>1</sup>/<sub>2</sub> teaspoon <span style="background:lightgreen">salt</span> and cook, ''stirring'' frequently, until softened, about '''3-5 minutes'''.<br>'''Add''' <span style="background:lightgreen">garlic</span> and cook until fragrant, about '''30 seconds'''.<br>'''Add''' <span style="background:lightgreen">water</span>, <span style="background:lightgreen">ham steak</span>, <span style="background:lightgreen">peas</span>, <span style="background:lightgreen">bacon</span>, <span style="background:lightgreen">thyme</span> and <span style="background:lightgreen">bay leaves</span>. '''Increase''' '''heat''' to high and bring to a simmer, ''stirring'' frequently so the <span style="background:lightgreen">peas</span> don't stick to the bottom.<br>'''Reduce''' heat to low, cover and simmer until <span style="background:lightgreen">peas</span> are tender but not falling apart, about '''45 minutes'''.<br><br>'''Remove''' <span style="background:lightgreen">ham steak</span>, '''cover''' with aluminum foil to prevent drying out, and set aside.<br>'''Stir''' in <span style="background:lightgreen">carrots</span> and <span style="background:lightgreen">celery</span>; continue to simmer, covered, until <span style="background:lightgreen">vegetables</span> are tender and <span style="background:lightgreen">peas</span> have almost completely broken down, about '''30 minutes''' longer.<br><br>When cool enough to handle, '''shred''' <span style="background:lightgreen">ham</span> into bite-size pieces with 2 forks. '''Remove''' and '''discard''' <span style="background:lightgreen">thyme sprigs</span>, <span style="background:lightgreen">bay leaves</span>, and <span style="background:lightgreen">bacon slices</span>. '''Stir''' ham into soup and return to simmer. '''Season''' with <span style="background:lightgreen">salt</span> and <span style="background:lightgreen">pepper</span> to taste. '''Sprinkle''' with <span style="background:lightgreen">croutons</span> and serve.


=Buttery Croutons Ingredients=

'''<big>3</big>''' Tablespoons unsalted butter<br>'''<big>1</big>''' Tablespoon olive oil<br>'''<big>3</big>''' slices hearty white sandwich bread, cut into '''<sup>1</sup>/<sub>2</sub>''' inch pieces<br>Salt<br>

=Croutons Instructions=
'''Heat''' <span style="background:lightgreen">butter</span> and <span style="background:lightgreen">oil</span> in 12-inch skillet over medium heat.<br>When <span style="background:lightgreen">butter</span> has melted, '''add''' <span style="background:lightgreen">bread cubes</span> and cook, stirring frequently, until golden brown, about '''10 minutes'''.<br>'''Transfer''' <span style="background:lightgreen">croutons</span> to paper towel-lined plate and '''season''' with salt to taste.<br>

=What I'd Do Different Next Time=

I'm not a fan of super-hot, but I do like a bit of punch, especially to help offset the sweetness of the peas and carrots. I like adding a couple drops of hot sauce to my pea soup.
[[Category:Dinner]]
[[Category:Soup]]
[[Category:Main Dish]]
[[Category:Pork]]