Easy Split Pea Soup

Adapted from Emeril Lagasse, this Easy Split Pea Soup is perfect for those colder months. Be sure to top it with either some ham, bacon, or even sausage for a tasty dinner. This recipe definitely makes enough for the family plus more to freeze for leftovers!

Ingreadient

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion (chopped)
• ¼ teaspoon salt (if you are using store bought chicken broth that is already salted only use 1/8 teaspoon)
• pepper (to taste)
• 1 clove garlic (minced)
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 pound green split peas (dried, picked over and rinsed)
• 8 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup milk
• hot sauce (to taste)
• bacon (chopped)
• ham (diced)
• sausage

Step by step

1. Heat the oil over medium heat in a large soup pot.
2. Add the onions and season with salt and pepper.
3. Once the onions have softened add the garlic, bay leaf, split peas and cook, stirring, for 1 minute.
4. Add the broth/stock and bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Simmer and stir occasionally for 45 minutes or until the peas are tender.
5. Remove soup pot from heat, discard the bay leaf, and puree using a hand-held immersion blender. The soup may be pureed in batches in a freestanding blender as well.
6. Stir in the milk and hot sauce (if desired) and ladle warm soup into bowls. Add your favorite topping and enjoy!