View source for Split Pea and Ham Soup

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=Ingredients=

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

=Instructions=

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


=Buttery Croutons Ingredients=

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

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