Classic Pea & Ham Soup

Recipe for: SOUP –CLASSIC PEA & HAM

Ingredients:

·        500g green split peas

·        1 small ham hock

·        1 onion, unpeeled, cut in half

·        4 cloves

·        1 stick celery, cut in large pieces

·        1 carrot, unpeeled, cut in large pieces

·        1 bay leaf

·        2 sprigs thyme

·        2 tblsp butter

·        1 onion, peeled and diced

·        1 carrot, peeled and diced

Method:

1.      Cover the peas in cold water and leave to soak whilst you prepare the ham

2.      In a large pan put the ham hock, the unpeeled onion studded with cloves, the celery and the unpeeled carrot

3.      Add the herbs

4.      Cover with cold water and bring to the boil, skimming off any scum

5.      Simmer very gently for 2-3 hours until the hock is very tender

6.      Allow to cool in the liquid

7.      When cold, drain the ham, reserving the liquid, but discarding the vegetables

8.      In a clean pan, heat the butter and saute the onion gently for five minutes

9.      Add the diced carrot and cook for another five minutes

10.   Drain the split peas and add to the pan

11.   Add one litre of the reserved ham stock

12.   Bring to the boil, then turn the heat down and simmer until split peas are breaking down (30-60 minutes)

13.   Meanwhile, strip the ham-bone (with your fingers) and shred the meat

14.   Use the remaining ham stock to thin the soup to your desired consistency

15.   Stir the shredded ham into the soup and season to taste

What else you need to know:

1.      The soup should be fairly thick