Vintage Betty Crocker Split Pea Soup

Satisfying in wintertime.

• Ready In: 2 hrs 45 mins
• Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 2  cups  dried split peas
• 2  quarts water
• 1  lb  smoked ham shank or 1  lb ham hocks or 1  ham bone
• 1  medium onion, finely chopped (about 1/2 cup)
• 1  cup  finely chopped celery
• 1  sprig parsley
• 1⁄4 teaspoon pepper
• 2  medium carrots, thinly sliced

Directions

1. In large saucepan or Dutch oven, heat peas and water to boiling; boil 2 minutes.
2. Remove from heat; cover and let stand 1 hour.
3. Add ham shank, onion, celery, parsley and pepper; heat to boiling.
4. Reduce heat; cover and simmer 1-1/2 hours.
5. Add carrots; cover and simmer until carrots are done and soup is of desired consistency, about 30 minutes.
6. Remove bone; trim meat from bone and add meat to soup.
7. For a thinner consistency, stir milk or water into soup.
8. Season to taste.