Smoked Ham & Split Pea Soup

This recipe is so tasty and so simple to make! I never had Split Pea soup until after I was married. It is one of my husbands favourites, so this my Mother-in-law's recipe. When I make it I chop my vegetables in a food processor, as we prefer it not so chunky, feel free to do it either way! Also, this soup is even better the next day :yummy:

• Ready In: 3 hrs 10 mins
• Serves: 8

Ingredients

• 8  cups water
• 2 1⁄4 cups  dried split peas
• 2  lbs smoked ham, bone in
• 1  medium onion, chopped
• 1  teaspoon salt
• 1⁄4 teaspoon pepper
• 2  medium carrots, cut into 1/2 inch pieces (or chopped)
• 2  medium celery ribs, cut into 1/2 inch pieces (or chopped)

Directions

1. Heat water and peas to boiling in a dutch oven. Boil for 2 minutes. Remove from heat, cover and let stand for 1 hour.
2. Stir ham, onion, salt and pepper in peas. Heat to boiling, reduce heat. Cover and simmer until peas are tender, about an hour.
3. Skim fat if necessary.
4. Remove ham, trim fat and bone from ham. Cut ham into 1/2 inch pieces (or smaller). Stir ham, carrots and celery into soup. Heat to boiling, reduce heat. Cover and simmer until vegetables are tender, about 45 minutes.
5. Enjoy.