Creamy Split Pea Soup with Ham

[Diane aka buzyw2]

I like this recipe because you can can the soup and add meat later if you wish.  It is also Kosher if prepared correctly.

1 cup chopped yellow onions
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/8 cup good olive oil
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1-1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 cups medium-diced carrots (3 to 4 carrots)
1 stalk medium-sized celery (4 to 5 individual stalks)
1 cup medium-diced red boiling potatoes, unpeeled (3 small)
1 pound dried split green peas
8 cups chicken stock or water
2 tbsp. Olive oil
1 cup diced ham pieces
1/8 tsp. liquid smoke

In a 4-quart stockpot on medium heat, saute the onions, celery and garlic with the olive oil, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper until the onions are translucent, 10 to 15 minutes. Add the carrots, potatoes, split peas, and chicken stock. Bring to a boil, then simmer uncovered for 40 minutes. Skim off the foam while cooking. Stir frequently to keep the solids from burning on the bottom. Taste for salt and pepper. Mash mixture with a potato masher.  Simmer an additional 40 minutes.  Transfer portions to a blender and puree until smooth.  Return blended soup to a separate pot and keep warm on low heat.

In a saucepan or small skillet, heat olive oil and heat ham pieces.  Add the liquid smoke and cook until heated through.  Add ham to the soup and mix in. 

Serves about 6.

Soup may be stored for 3 days in the refrigerator without meat added.  Soup may also be canned using a boiling water-bath if NO meat has been added or in a pressure canner if meat has been added.  To do this, bring the soup to a boil, place in jars that have been sterilized, top with sterile lid and ring tightened finger tight.  Place in a water bath for 30 minutes OR a pressure canner at 10 psi for 75 minutes.  Set on counter for 24 hours to cool, then store in a cool, dark place.

[lemonelephant]

Check out Crockpot Navy Moms, Navy Mom Recipe Collections, and Recipe Swap. Any of those groups would be the appropriate place for recipes.

[Diane aka buzyw2]

ty lemonelephant  :)

[lemonelephant]

You are very welcome.