Split Pea and Ham Soup

I created this recipe by taking ingredients from other split pea soup recipes and added a few of my own. My husband loves it, and my dad requests that I make him a batch for his birthday present. This soup also freezes well.

• Ready In: 3 hrs 15 mins
• Serves: 10-12

Ingredients

• 1  lb  dried split peas
• 8  cups water
• 1  large onion, chopped
• 1  cup celery, chopped
• 3  medium carrots, cut into 1/2 inch slices
• 1 -2  lb ham, chopped
• 1  good ham bone
• 2  chicken bouillon cubes
• 2  bay leaves
• 1⁄2 teaspoon pepper
• 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
• 1⁄2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1⁄2 teaspoon dried oregano leaves

Directions

1. Rinse split peas well.
2. Heat peas and water to boiling.
3. Boil uncovered for 2 minutes; remove from heat. Cover and let stand for 1 hour.
4. Stir in onions, celery, bay leaves, bouillon cubes, salt, pepper, garlic powder and oregano leaves. Mix well.
5. Add ham bone.
6. Heat to a boiling; reduce heat, cover and simmer for 1 1/2 hours; stirring occasionally.
7. Remove ham bone and bay leaves.
8. Stir in ham and carrots.
9. Heat to a boiling; reduce heat, cover and simmer about 30 minutes or until carrots are tender and soup is desired consistency; stirring occasionally.