Split Pea Soup - cooking recipe

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil
2 cups chopped onions
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 - 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 tablespoon crushed garlic
2 bay leaves
1 lb dried split peas
4 large soft chicken bouillon cubes (Knorr or Maggi)
8 cups water (I just use water and right number of large Knorr Chicken bouillon cubes)
3 cups chopped ham

Preparation

Heat oil in large soup pot over medium high heat.
Add onions.
Season with salt, pepper, & crushed red pepper.
Saute for 2-5 minutes.
Add garlic, bay leaves, and split peas.
Cook stirring for 2-5 minutes.
Add the broth and ham.
Bring to a boil.
Reduce heat to medium and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 1 hour or more, until the peas are tender.
Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Remove bay leaves and discard.
Serve hot.
OPTIONAL: May use a hand mixer and process till peas are smooth.