The 2nd best soup ever. Broccoli & smoked ham soup

I learnt this recipe from master chef and long time house mate Jan Bekker. (Who has defected to Australia recently for “work”)

My prerequisite for a good soup:

– It has to be quick to prepare. (Athletes are always hungry and usually have to eat NOW!)

– It has to be easy to throw together. When you are bonked from a 4 hr training session, you dont want to go scour the back alleys of a certain ethnic neighbourhood to get the ingredients.

– It has to be healthy. (Or ice cream would have worked just as well)

As with almost every thing I cook, I’ll make enough for a number of meals and save it in the fridge. It reduces dish washing and you’ll be prepared for the FOOD NOW feeling next time you are so bonked you feel ants walking on your head.

Ok, enough chit chat, here are the goodies, mate:

Cut roughly straight into large pot, 1/2 filled with water:

– 1 large head of Broccoli.

– 1 cup of green split peas. Now that we are in th 21st century, you dont have to soak them overnight anymore. Frozen peas also work well.

– 1/2 cup of smoked ham, (quality smoked ham is better- this one is the flavour maker) chopped roughly- saves time. I’ll usually start with 1 cup but at the rate I snack, only 1/2 cup makes it in the pot.

– 5 cloves of garlic. The secret ingredient.

-Salt.

Simmer for about 20-30 min. The only thing that really needs to cook here are the peas. See what the packet says.

Pour in blender. (may have to blend in 2 or 3 batches)

Blend.

Pour in bowl- the rest goes in the fridge.

Eat.