America's Test Kitchen Chunky Ham and Split Pea Soup

Step 1

Place ham, bay leaves, and 3 quarts water in large stockpot or Dutch oven.

Step 2

Cover and bring to a boil over medium-high heat.

Step 3

Reduce heat to low and simmer until meat is tender and pulls away from bone, 2 to 2 1/2 hours.

Step 4

Remove ham meat and bone from pot and set aside.

Step 5

Add split peas and thyme to stock.

Step 6

Bring back to boil, reduce heat, and simmer, uncovered until peas are tender but not dissolved, about 45 minutes.

Step 7

Meanwhile, when ham is cool enough to handle, shred meat into bite-sized peas and set aside. Discard rind and bone.

Step 8

While peas are simmering, heat oil in a large skillet over high heat until shimmering.

Step 9

Add onions, carrots, and celery and saute, stirring frequently, until most of liquid evaporates and vegetables begin to brown (5 to 6 minutes).

Step 10

Reduce heat to medium-low and add butter, garlic, and sugar.

Step 11

Cook vegetables, stirring frequently, until deeply browned, 30 to 35 minutes and set aside.

Step 12

Add sauteed vegetables, potatoes, and shredded ham to pot with split peas.

Step 13

Simmer until potatoes and peas dissolve and thicken soup to consistency of light cream, about 20 minutes more.

Step 14

Season with pepper to taste.

Step 15

Ladle soup into bowls, sprinkle with red onion, if using, and serve, passing balsamic vinegar separately.