Split Pea Soup - cooking recipe

Ingredients

8 c. water
1 pkg. split peas
2 lb. smoked ham, cubed
1 medium onion, chopped
1 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper
2 medium carrots, cut up
2 medium celery stalks, cut up
potatoes (if desired)

Preparation

Boil water and peas for 2 minutes.
Remove from heat; set aside for 1 hour.
Stir ham, onion, salt and pepper into peas; heat to boiling.
Reduce heat; simmer for about 1 hour.
Stir carrots, celery and potatoes into soup.
Simmer until vegetables are tender, about 45 minutes.