Split Pea Soup & Ham

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cups yellow onions, chopped
• salt
• freshly ground black pepper
• crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 tablespoon chopped garlic
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 lb dried split peas, picked over and rinsed
• 8 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup milk
• 1 ham steak, cut into 1 inch pieces
• hot sauce (optional)

1. In a large soup pot over medium-high heat, heat the oil.
2. Add the onions.
3. Season with salt, pepper, crushed red pepper.
4. Saute for 2 minutes.
5. Add the garlic, bay leaf, and split peas and cook, stirring, for 1 minute.
6. Add the broth and ham.
7. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 1 hour or more, until the peas are tender.
8. Remove from the heat and let cool slightly.
9. Remove the bay leaf and discard.
10. Add the milk and, using a hand-held blender or potato masher, process until smooth.
11. Add the hot sauce if desired and serve hot.

olive oil, yellow onions, salt, freshly ground black pepper, red pepper, garlic, bay leaf, peas, chicken broth, milk, ham steak, hot sauce

Taken from www.food.com/recipe/split-pea-soup-ham-15466 (may not work)