From mom
Split Pea Soup
4 c water
1 c dried split peas
½ lb smoked ham (or ham hock or leftover ham)
¼ c onion
½ t salt
dash of pepper
1 carrot, cut into ½ inch pieces (about ½ cup)
1 stalk celery, cut into ½ inch pieces
Heat water and peas to boiling; boil 2 minutes. Remove from heat; cover and let stand 1 hour. Stir ham (if on bone), onion, S&P into peas. Heat to boiling; reduce heat. Cover and simmer until peas are tender, about 1 hour. Skim fat if necessary. Remove ham; trim fat and bone from ham. Cut ham into ½ inch pieces. Stir ham, carrots, and celery into soup. Heat to boiling; reduce heat. Cover and simmer until vegetables are tender, about 45 minutes. (If peas don’t get soft, remove most of the veggies and meat, then puree peas with some broth in blender until smooth.) 2-3 servings. Time: ~3 hours
