Split Pea Chowder

Ingredients

• Fresh parsley - 2 tablespoons, chopped
• Heavy cream - 1/2 cup
• Vegetable broth - 4 cups
• Salt and pepper - To taste
• Thyme - 1 teaspoon
• Bay leaf - 1
• Smoked ham - 1 cup, diced
• Garlic - 3 cloves, minced
• Potatoes - 2 medium, diced
• Celery - 2 stalks, diced
• Carrots - 2 medium, diced
• Onion - 1 medium, diced
• Split peas - 2 cups

Instructions

1. Rinse the split peas under cold water and drain.
2. In a large pot, heat some olive oil over medium heat.
3. Add the diced onion, carrots, celery, potatoes, and minced garlic. Cook until the vegetables are tender, about 10 minutes.
4. Add the diced smoked ham, bay leaf, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 5 minutes.
5. Add the rinsed split peas and vegetable broth to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 45 minutes, or until the split peas are soft.
6. Remove the bay leaf from the pot.
7. Using an immersion blender or a regular blender, puree about half of the soup until smooth. This will help thicken the chowder.
8. Stir in the heavy cream and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
9. Serve the split pea chowder hot, garnished with fresh parsley.