Pea Soup

So this is a go-to soup for me. If I don't want to buy lunches during the week, I'll make a batch on Sunday afternoon. Enjoy!!

1 medium onion, roughly diced
1 bag dried split peas (picked through)
1 ham steak ( I like Cook's. Note: Smoked is definitely better in this soup, but try honey or maple if you're feeling adventurous)
3 cups water
3 cups ham stock
salt and pepper
hot sauce to taste

In a stock pot or dutch oven heat 2T olive oil over medium heat until it gets shimmery. Saute the onion for about 5 minutes or so til it's translucent. You can always caramelize them for a more pronounced onion flavor. Add in the peas and continue to saute for 5 minutes. In the meantime, roughly dice your ham steak. I like bigger pieces because they cook down a little bit.
Add in the water and ham stock. Add the ham. Cover and simmer the soup for about 1 hour, occasionally stirring to break up the peas (also so they don't stick to the bottom of the pan and burn = bad aftertaste!).

Enjoy with a loaf of four cheese bread, or for a healthier, heartier version, stir in 2 cups cooked brown rice.