Smithfield Ham & Split Pea Soup

Total Time: 1 hr 45 mins Preparation Time: 15 mins Cook Time: 1 hr 30 mins

Ingredients

• Servings: 6
• 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

Recipe

• 1 separate fat from the ham meat. set meat aside.
• 2 in a heavy large soup pot, fry the ham fat. when crisp, discard the solids.
• 3 fry the chopped onion in the fat.
• 4 add the reserved lean ham meat pieces and saute until meat is heated through and slightly browned.
• 5 add the water, dried split peas, carrots, and celery (center portion with leaves, chopped fine).
• 6 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.).
• 7 serve with good, crusty bread and enjoy!