Split Pea And Ham Soup..cook's Illustrated Version

Total Time: 1 hr 10 mins Preparation Time: 15 mins Cook Time: 55 mins

Ingredients

• Servings: 4
• 1/2 lb smoked ham
• 4 bay leaves
• 1 lb split peas, washed
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 2 medium carrots, chopped
• 2 medium onions, chopped
• 2 stalks celery, chopped
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 2 medium garlic cloves
• 1 pinch sugar
• 3 small potatoes
• 1 medium red onion, chopped

Recipe

• 1 place the ham, bay leaves and 3 quarts of water in large pot, cover and bring to a boil over medium high heat -- reduce heat to low and simmer till meat is tender.
• 2 remove ham bone and meat from pot.when ham is cool, shred and set aside.
• 3 add the split peas and thyme to ham stock, bring all back to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, uncovered till peas are tender, but not dissolved -- about 45 minutes.
• 4 while ham is cooking, in large skillet, heat olive oil and cook onions, carrots, celery about 5-6 minutes,.
• 5 reduce heat to low, add butter, garlic and sugar.cook till browned.about 30-35 minutes.set aside.
• 6 add sauteed vegetabes, potatoes and ham, to pot with peas, simmer till potatoes are tender.20 minutes or more.
• 7 may garnish each bowl with a little red onion, chopped and a dash of basalmic vinegar.