Hearty Pea And Ham Soup - cooking recipe

Ingredients

2 tbsp vegetable or olive oil
1 None large onion, finely chopped
2 stalks celery, coarsely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
13 oz dried green split peas, rinsed, soaked overnight
2 3/4 lb ham hock
7 cups chicken stock
1 1/4 cups heavy cream
None None fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped, to garnish
None None crusty bread rolls, to serve

Preparation

In a large saucepan, heat oil over medium heat. Add onion, celery and garlic. Cook for 2 mins. Add peas, ham and stock. Reduce heat, cover and simmer for 30 mins. Remove ham, let cool slightly then shred meat. Discard bone and skin.
Blend soup until smooth. Place over low heat, add shredded ham and 3/4 of the cream. Cook for 3 mins, or until heated through. Season with pepper. Distribute between serving bowls. Sprinkle with parsley and top with remaining cream. Serve with bread rolls.