HEARTY HAM AND PEA SOUP

Hearty Ham and Pea Soup image

Provided by Tammy T @ttodd4jesus

Number Of Ingredients 14

1 pound(s) dry split peas (soaked over night)
1/4 pound(s) bacon
1/2 - medium onion (diced)
1 - celery stalk (diced)
1 cup(s) carrots (peeled and diced small)
1 - potato (peeled and diced small)
1 teaspoon(s) garlic powder
6 cup(s) chicken broth
2 cup(s) water
1/2 teaspoon(s) salt
1/2 teaspoon(s) pepper
1 teaspoon(s) fresh thyme
1 cup(s) cooked ham (i use leftover ham)
1 package(s) butter and garlic croutons

Steps:

In a large pot, fry the bacon and when cooked pull the bacon out and save, leaving the bacon grease in the pot.
To the bacon grease add the onions and celery and cook until soft. 4 to 5 minutes.
Add the carrots , potatoes , chicken broth and water. Bring to a boil then turn stove down to simmer uncovered.
Add the thyme, salt , pepper and garlic and simmer 40 minutes. Add the ham for the last 20 minutes.
After the 40 minutes take a potato masher and mash at the bottom to mash some of the cooked peas to thicken.
To serve I add croutons and crumbled bacon to each bowl and salt and pepper to taste.