Split Pea & Ham Soup

• servings: Makes 12 to 16 servings

Ingredients

1 (16-oz.) pkg. dried green split peas, sorted and rinsed

2 quarts water

4 Tbsp. olive oil

2 cups chopped onion

2 cups chopped carrots

2 cups sliced celery

4 cloves garlic, minced

Spiral Sliced Ham Bone with leftover meat

4 cups cubed ham (or remaining leftovers)

2 quarts water

1 tsp. salt

½ tsp. ground black pepper

Directions

1. Place split peas and 2 quarts water in a large saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat; reduce heat and simmer 1 hour. Drain.

2. Heat oil in a 4-quart saucepan. Sauté onion, carrots, celery and garlic in oil over medium-low heat until tender - about 10 minutes.

3. Return the split peas to the saucepan.

4. Add ham bone, cubed ham, 2 quarts water, salt and pepper. Cover and bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat and simmer 1 hour. Remove cover and continue simmering until desired thickness, stirring occasionally.

5. Remove ham bone; cut off any remaining meat. Dice meat and return to soup before serving.