Split Pea, Barley and Ham Soup

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 medium onions, Chopped
• 1 teaspoon chipotle hot sauce
• 1/4 teaspoon fresh coarse ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon ground sea salt
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 lb dried split peas, rinsed
• 10 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup milk or half-and-half (for richer soup)
• 1/4 cup pearl barley
• 1/2 cup diced carrot
• 2 cups cubed ham or smoked turkey sausage

Directions

1. 1

   Heat olive oil in large soup pot over medium heat.

2. 2

   Add onions, then add pepper, salt, pepper sauce and stir twice.

3. 3

   Saute over medium heat for 3 minutes.

4. 4

   Add rinsed split peas,barley,chopped carrots, garlic, bay leaves and saute another 2 minutes, stirring several times.

5. 5

   Add chicken broth and the chopped ham or smoked turkey sausage.

6. 6

   Bring to boil, reduce heat and simmer for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.

7. 7

   Remove from heat, remove bay leaves,add milk or half and half and stir.

8. 8

   Enjoy with warm, crusty bread.