Italian Split Pea Soup

A combination split pea/vegetable soup that is hearty but not too heavy.

• Ready In: 4 hrs 30 mins
• Serves: 8
• Yields: 2 cup servings

Ingredients

• 1  lb  split peas
• 1⁄2 lb ham
• 2  lbs ham hocks
• 2  stalks celery, chopped
• 1  cup onion, chopped
• 1  cup carrot, chopped
• 1  green pepper, chopped
• 1  garlic clove
• 10  cups water
• 1 (28 ounce) can diced tomatoes
• 1⁄2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1⁄4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1  teaspoon salt (to taste)

Directions

1. Place ham shanks, peas, and water in pot and bring to boil.
2. Simmer 2 hours or until peas are soft.
3. Add onions, carrots, pepper, garlic, and seasonings.
4. Simmer for 1 hour.
5. Remove ham shanks.
6. Add tomatoes and ham.
7. Simmer 15 minutes.