2 med. leeks (white and pale green parts only), thinly sliced
1 lrg. shallot, minced
salt & white pepper to taste
1 lb. dried green split peas
8 cups vegetable broth
2 sprigs fresh thyme, plus more for serving
2 bay leaves
1 to 2 cups leftover ham, chopped
Instructions
In a large pot over medium heat, heat 1 tablespoon oil. Add ham bone and cook, turning occasionally, until seared on all sides. Remove ham bone from pot and set aside.
Add remaining oil to pot. Add leeks and shallot, and season with salt and pepper. Cook until tender. Add split peas, broth, thyme, bay leaves, and ham bone. Bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer and cook, covered, stirring occasionally until peas are tender, about 1 hour.
When peas are tender, remove bay leaf, thyme, and ham bone. Remove any remaining meat from ham bone and shred. Use an immersion blender or countertop blender to purée roughly ¼ of the soup. Return puréed soup to pot along with shredded meat from bone and cubed ham, and season to taste with salt and pepper.