Pea and Gammon Soup

INGEDIENTS

1 Tbs Olive oil

800g frozen peas

1 crushed garlic clove  
2 onions, chopped 
1 tsp dried thyme 
1 tsp dried basil 
1Ltr chicken or vegetable stock

1 ham bone or gammon pieces

150ml thin cream

Salt and black pepper to tast

COOKING INSTRUCTIONS

1) Heat the oil in a large deep pan add the chopped onions and garlic and cook on a medium heat until softened

2) Add half the frozen peas ,dried herbs, stock and 1/2 pint of water -stir (set aside the remaining peas for later ) 

3) Add the chopped ham or Ham bone if using .

4) Bring to the boil, then reduce heat to low  cover and simmer for 1-1 1/2 hours, stirring occasionally.

5) Remove the ham bone (if used)

6) Allow the soup to cool slightly add the remaining peas and then in batches blend 

7) Return to the pan and add the cream and season to taste . 

This is such a vibrant soup which is packed with fantastic flavours ,however a very filling soup ,so if using as a starter you may like to cut down on portion size ..
I also add a little cream for dressing, if counting calories use low fat cream there are some excellant ones about and if you are big on presentation try to reserve a small amount of chopped ham to add to soup once finshed OR crisp up some bacon and crumble over  top. -A warm hearty soup packed with taste .  

Serve with a good crusty fresh bread   
 Easy to make .