Country-Style Pea Soup with Ham

Instructions

A hearty pea soup with bits of ham and veggies and lots of flavor.
1 tsp minced garlic
1 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup chopped celery
1 cup chopped carrots
2 cups dry green split peas
8 cups hot water
1 bay leaf
1/4 tsp black pepper to taste
1/2 tsp poultry seasoning
1/4 cup lowfat diced ham

Sort and wash peas in a colander under running cold water.

Generously spray a large soup pot with vegetable oil cooking spray and heat over medium-high. Saute the garlic and onion until golden, about 2 minutes. Add the rest of the ingredients and bring to a boil.

Cover and lower heat to simmer. Cook until the peas and veggies are very soft, about 1 hour and 15 minutes. Place half of the soup in the blender and puree. Add back to soup pot and serve hot.