There’s nothing like a hot bowl of soup to warm the body and soul when the weather outside is a blizzard.

Split Pea and Ham Soup

2 and bit cups (500 grams) organic yellow split peas

1 1/2 cups cooked ham diced plus ham bone

I medium yellow onion diced

3 stalks celery diced plus leaves

4 medium carrots diced

6 to 7 cups of unsalted chicken broth

2 cups water

2 medium garlic cloves crushed

2 bay leaves

2 whole cloves (optional)

1/4 tsp fresh ground pepper

1/4 to 1/2 tsp of Bolivian Rose rock salt or any other salt to taste

 

Place ingredients in large crock pot and cook on medium low heat for 2 and a half hours. Stir and check periodically if more liquid is needed. Remove bone and add remaining chunks of ham to the soup.

I cook my ham with cloves and maple syrup, the cloves add a sweet aromatic element to the soup.

Serve with a sprinkling of fresh pepper and peppered cheese toasts and enjoy.