Split Pea Soup with Carrots

Split Pea Soup with crispy croutons

adapted from Better Homes and Gardens Cookbook

Split Pea Soup

8 cups water
1 pound dried, split peas (about 2 1/4 cups)
1 to 2 lb smoked ham
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
1 cup finely chopped carrots
2-3 stalks finely chopped celery

Heat water and peas to boiling.  Boil for 2 minutes, then remove from heat and cover.  Let sit for 1 hour.

Add ham* (whole--bone & meat), chopped onion, salt and pepper.  Cover and simmer until peas are tender.  About 1 hour.

Remove ham and trim meat from bone.  Cut ham into 1/2 inch pieces.  Stir ham, carrots, and celery into soup.  Cover and simmer until veggies are tender, about 45 minutes.

*You can use 1 lb. boneless smoked ham.    Serve garnished with croutons, if desired.