Split Pea Soup

I love winter. It's probably my favorite season. 

I love everything about it. 

The holidays, the weather, and the food. 

Comfort food is a good thing! 

And speaking of  good things....I made the most delicious split pea soup the other day. Maybe 

it was just the fact that I haven't eaten it for a long time, but it seemed better than usual.

Fast and easy too.

Linked with Weekend Potluck.

SPLIT PEA SOUP

1 tbsp olive oil
1 onion
2 carrots, chopped small
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 bay leaves
Pinch of red pepper flakes
2 ham hocks
1 lb of split peas, rinsed
6 1/2 cups chicken broth, plus more if needed
Salt
Pepper

Heat a large pot over medium heat.

Add olive oil, onion, garlic, carrots, bay leaves and some red pepper flakes; saute until slightly softened.

Add ham hocks, making sure they touch the bottom of pot and brown on both sides a few minutes.

Add 1 bag of split peas, and 6 1/2 cups of chicken broth. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover and simmer until peas start to break down and are tender, about 1 hour, stirring occasionally.  Add more broth or water if it gets to thick.

Remove hocks and cut off any desired meat and add back to soup.

Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve with croutons.