Split Pea Soup

1. Pick over and rinse the split peas – no soaking needed.

2. Put the peas and the diced smoked ham in a large pot and cover generously with water.

3. Add the halved onion, the bay leaf and the thyme.

4. Bring to the boil, then simmer gently for 60-70 minutes until the peas collapse.

5. Add the diced carrot and celery for the last 20 minutes.

6. Remove the bay leaf, blend the soup partially, and season with pepper.

Tip: The smoked ham brings the salt, so season only at the end – it oversalts easily.