Split Pea Soup Recipe

Set a large soup pot or 5 1/2 qt Dutch oven over medium-high heat and add 1 Tbsp olive oil. Add ham (or ham hock) and sauté until golden brown. Remove ham to a separate plate.

Add 1 Tbsp olive oil and sauté onion and celery until softened, about 5 minutes. Add stock, water, and drained peas, and add ham back to the pot. Bring to a boil and skim off any foam that rises to the top.

Add thyme and bay leaves and season with 1/2 tsp salt. Reduce heat to a simmer, partially cover, and simmer for 1 hour 30 minutes or until peas are almost dissolved. If using a ham hock, remove bone from soup then shred the meat and put it back into the pot.

Add carrots and potatoes and cook another 20 minutes or until veggies are fork-tender.

Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove and discard the bay leaves and thyme stems.

Press in the garlic, add dill or parsley, then immediately turn off the heat. Serve topped with crispy bacon and more fresh herbs.