Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 onion, chopped; 2 carrots, peeled and diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 cup dried green split peas, rinsed and drained; 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth; 1 cup cooked ham, diced; Salt and black pepper to taste; Fresh herbs, for garnish

This recipe features tender split peas, diced ham, and a medley of vegetables, creating a flavorful and nourishing combination. It’s a testament to the comforting qualities of classic ingredients, perfect for a quick and homemade meal. In just under 30 minutes, you can enjoy the rich flavors of this soup that bring comfort to your taste buds and warmth to your soul. Let’s begin!

Instructions

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and diced carrots. Sauté for about 4-5 minutes, until the vegetables are tender and the onion is translucent.
Stir in the minced garlic and dried thyme, and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.
Add the rinsed split peas and the chicken or vegetable broth to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, until the split peas are tender.
Use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup, leaving some texture. Alternatively, you can transfer a portion of the soup to a blender and blend until smooth, then return it to the pot.
Stir in the diced ham and let it heat through for a few minutes. Season the soup with salt and black pepper to taste.
Garnish as desired and serve!

Notes

To save time, use pre-diced ham from your local deli or leftovers from a previous meal. Feel free to customize the soup by adding other vegetables like celery or potatoes if desired. If you prefer a creamier texture, blend the entire soup until smooth. Serve with your favorite crusty bread or a simple side salad for a complete meal. Enjoy!

Chef’s tip: For extra depth of flavor, you can sauté the vegetables until they’re slightly caramelized before adding the broth.

*Please keep in mind that the following nutritional information is based on estimates and can vary depending on the specific brands and ingredients used.