Gusto's Soups

Hearty Split Pea Soup With Gusto Hickory Smoked Hocks

Serves 6

1/4 cup olive oil
1 large onion, small dice
2 celery stalks, small dice
2 parsnips, small dice
1 pound spilt peas, rinsed and sorted
2 Gusto hickory smoked hocks (approx 1 pound each)
2 quarts low sodium chicken stock
Fresh ground black pepper
Kosher salt
For crostini:
12 thick French bread slices
Olive oil as needed

1. Heat large saucepan, add oil
2. Sweat onions, celery and parsnips over medium heat
3. Add peas and Gusto hickory smoked hocks
4. Add chicken stock
5. Bring to a simmer and cook uncovered for about 1 hour
(after an hour the peas should still hold their shape, cook longer for a smoother texture)
6. Taste and adjust seasoning
7. Remove the Gusto hickory smoked hocks, let them cool
8. Meanwhile, brush the French bread with olive oil
9. Place the crostini under the broiler turning once until
golden brown on both sides
10. Remove the meat from the Gusto hickory smoked hocks
and dice it up
11. Serve the diced meat as a garnish for the soup with
some fresh ground pepper and the crostini