Ingredients
Directions
1.
WASH and SORT peas.
2.
In a large saucepan, ADD water and peas; BRING to boiling; SIMMER 2 minutes; REMOVE from heat; COVER; let STAND 1 hour.
3.
ADD ham bone, vegetables, bay leaf and thyme; HEAT to boiling; REDUCE heat; SIMMER, covered, until peas are soft, about 2 1/2 to 3 hours..
4.
REMOVE bone; CUT off meat; DICE; PUT aside in refrigerator; DISCARD bone.
5.
POUR soup into covered container; REFRIGERATE overnight to allow fat to rise to top and solidify.
6.
SKIM and DISCARD fat from top of soup; PUREE soup.
7.
In saucepan, COMBINE soup, meat and cream; SEASON with salt and pepper; HEAT to serving temperature.