Split Pea Soup

From "Good Home Cookbook"

• Ready In: 3 hrs 25 mins
• Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 8  cups water
• 2  cups  dried split peas, rinsed and debris removed
• 1  ham bone or 2  smoked ham hocks
• 1  leek, trimmed and chopped (white part only)
• 1  medium onion, chopped
• 1⁄2 teaspoon salt (to taste)
•  black pepper
• 2  medium carrots, finely chopped (optional)

Directions

1. Combine the water, peas, and ham bone in a large soup pot or saucepan. Bring to a boil. Skim off any foam that rises to the top.
2. Add the leek, onion, and salt and pepper to taste. REduce the heat and barely simmer, partially covered, for 3 hours, stirring occasionally.
3. Remove the bone, and cut the meat from the bone. Finely hcop the meat and return to the soup. Discard the bone.
4. Add the carrots, if using, and continue to simmer until the carrots are tender, about 15 minutes.
5. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed; serve hot.