Split pea veggie soup

This recipe was born of "what can I have for dinner with what I have on hand". Adding pork to legumes is an old "hill-billy" trick to make a bland dish have a little flavor, and make a cheap cut of meat go a long way. The okra adds some bite to what is otherwise a pretty bland dish.

• Ready In: 3 hrs 15 mins
• Serves: 12
• Yields: 2 quarts

Ingredients

• 1  package  dried split peas
• 2  ham hocks (or any strong flavor pork will do)
• 1  cup frozen corn
• 1  cup  frozen  crowder peas (black-eyed)
• 1⁄2 cup okra

Directions

1. Prepare split peas according to package directions.
2. When well done, add ham hocks and frozen veggies.
3. Simmer till veggies are tender and ham hocks well cooked.
4. The okra lends a gluey, gumbo like consistency.
5. Watch for scorching or sticking during simmering.
6. Stir occasionally--even in a crock pot!