Mimi's Split Pea Soup

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This is my mom's recipe for her favorite soup. Since i never liked split peas as a kid, i never ate it. But since growing up, i've found it to be delicious. I make this with chicken or vegetable broth for a more flavorful soup. Serve with warm crusty bread.

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Steps

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Combine all ingredients in a large stock pot.

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Bring to a boil.

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Reduce heat and simmer , covered , for approximately 1 1 / 2 to 2 hours or until peas are soft.

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Add potatoes and barley the last 25 minutes of cooking time.

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Stir from bottom occasionally and skim foam off top if it accumulates.

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Once peas , potatoes and barley are tender , remove pot from heat and let cool for 15 minutes.

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If using ham hock , remove from soup , let cool and cut meat from bone.

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Finely chop meat and set aside.

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Ladle soup in batches into a blender or processor.

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Blend / process 2 to 3 seconds only.

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Return soup to pot , stir in ham.

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Reheat and serve.

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Ingredients

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butter, onion, carrots, celery rib, dried split peas, dried thyme, dried parsley, salt, pepper, cold water, garlic cloves, potatoes, pearl barley, ham hocks