A comforting and flavorful soup perfect for any season.
Heat the olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat.
Ensure the oil is hot before adding the onions for better flavor extraction.
Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent.
Stir frequently to prevent the onions from burning.
Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
Adjust the seasoning to your taste preferences.
Add the minced garlic and bay leaf, cooking for an additional minute.
Be careful not to burn the garlic as it can turn bitter.
Stir in the split peas, chicken broth, and diced ham.
Rinse the split peas beforehand to remove any debris.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the peas are tender, about 1 hour.
Stir occasionally to prevent the peas from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
Remove the bay leaf and discard.
Ensure no bay leaf pieces remain in the soup.
Add the milk and blend the soup until smooth using a hand-held blender.
Blend to your desired consistency, leaving some texture if preferred.
Serve the soup hot, garnished with a sprinkle of black pepper or fresh herbs if desired.
Serve with crusty bread for a complete meal.
Continue in our app for the best experience
