Split Pea With Ham Soup

This is a great soup for a cold winter’s day. Lots of fiber and protein to fill you up and give you energy for shoveling snow! Leave out the ham and use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version (recipe will have less protein and calories).

1 onion, chopped
1 carrot, chopped
1 rib of celery, chopped
1 clove garlic, crushed
2 cups lean ham, chopped
20 ounce bag dried split peas
8 cups chicken broth
1 tsp thyme
1 bay leaf
Salt & Pepper to taste

Spray large pot with cooking spray. Saute onion, carrot, celery over medium-high heat until onion is just turning golden. Add garlic and saute 30 seconds more. Add ham, split peas, broth, thyme, bay leaf, salt and pepper. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for at least an hour until peas are soft. You may need to add more broth if soup is too thick, or if you prefer a thinner soup. Season with more salt & pepper to taste.