Ingredients:
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 cups yellow onions, chopped
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 tablespoon chopped garlic
1 bay leaves
1 lb split peas, picked over and rinsed
8 cups chicken broth
1 cup milk
1 lb ham steaks, cut into 1 inch pieces
hot sauce (optional)
Directions:
In a large soup pot over medium-high heat, heat the oil.
Add the onions.
Season with salt, pepper, crushed red pepper.
Saute for 2 minutes.
Add the garlic, bay leaf, and split peas and cook, stirring for 1 minute.
Add the broth and ham.
Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium, and simmer stirring occasionally, for 1 hour or more, until the peas are tender.
Remove from the heat and let cool slightly.
Remove the bay leaf and discard.
Add the milk and, using a hand-held blender or potato masher, process until smooth.
Add the hot sauce if desired and serve hot.
Servings: 8
Time preparation: 10 min.
Time total: 70 min.