German Split Pea Soup

Total Time: 1 hr 15 mins Preparation Time: 15 mins Cook Time: 1 hr

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 2 slices bacon, finely chopped
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 1 celery rib, finely chopped
• 1 large carrot, peeled and finely chopped
• 1 small celery root, peeled and finely chopped
• kosher salt
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 10 sprigs flat leaf parsley
• 8 sprigs fresh thyme
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 lb split peas, rinsed and drained
• 2 large smoked ham hocks, about 2 lbs
• fresh ground black pepper, to taste

Recipe

• 1 place oil and bacon in a 6-qt. pot and cook over medium-high heat until crisp, about 6 minutes. transfer bacon to paper towel with a slotted spoon; set aside. add onions, celery, carrots, and celery root, season with salt, and cook, stirring occasionally, until soft, about 10 minutes. stir in flour; cook for 3 minutes.
• 2 tie parsley, thyme, and bay leaves together with kitchen twine; add to pot with peas, ham hocks, and 7 cups water. bring to a boil over high heat. reduce heat and simmer, covered, until peas are very tender, about 1 hour. remove from heat. discard herbs. transfer hocks to a plate to let cool; pull off and chop the meat; discard fat, skin, and bones. stir meat into soup, season with salt and pepper, and ladle soup into bowls.
• 3 sprinkle with reserved bacon.