Pea and ham soup is wonderfully warming, with its rich, savoury flavour and comforting warmth.

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• Sprinkle of garlic powder
• 1 450g ham, diced 
• 4 950ml chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 480ml water 
• 2 300g frozen peas 
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and black pepper 
• Fresh parsley or chives

Instructions:

1.  In a large pot, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat and add the onion. Sauté until they are softened, about 4-5 minutes.
2.  Add the diced ham (or ham hock) to the pot, along with the bay leaf. Stir to combine and cook for 2-3 minutes to let the flavours meld.
3. Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth. If using a ham hock, add the water as well to help cover it. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer, covered, for about 30 minutes to develop the flavours.
4. Add the peas to the pot and continue simmering for another 10-15 minutes. If you used a ham hock, remove it at this stage, shred the meat, and return it to the pot.
5. For a thicker, creamier texture, blend about half the soup using an immersion blender, or transfer half of it to a blender, then return to the pot. Alternatively, you can leave the soup chunky if you prefer.
6. Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper as needed. (If your ham is salty, you may not need much additional salt.) Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with chopped parsley or chives, and enjoy!