Smithfield Ham & Split Pea Soup - cooking recipe

Ingredients

1 lb Smithfield Ham (in pieces is fine)
1 large onion, chopped
1 gallon water
2 lbs dried split peas
3 large carrots, peeled and chopped fine
2 stalks celery & leaves

Preparation

Separate fat from the ham meat. Set meat aside.
In a heavy large soup pot, fry the ham fat. When crisp, discard the solids.
Fry the chopped onion in the fat.
Add the reserved lean ham meat pieces and saute until meat is heated through and slightly browned.
Add the water, dried split peas, carrots, and celery (center portion with leaves, chopped fine).
Cover pot and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and cook slowly, about 1 1/2 hours until peas are mushy. (Do not puree.).
Serve with good, crusty bread and enjoy!