Split Pea Soup

Ingredients:

• 1 lb dried split peas
• 8 cups water
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
• 2 stalks celery, chopped
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 ham bone or 1 lb smoked ham hocks

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, add the dried split peas and water. Let soak for at least 4 hours or overnight.
2. Drain and rinse the split peas. Add them back to the pot with the chopped onion, garlic, carrots, celery, bay leaf, thyme, salt, and pepper.
3. If using a ham bone, add it to the pot. If using ham hocks, add them to the pot and remove them once the soup is done cooking.
4. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 1-2 hours, until the split peas are soft.
5. If using a ham bone, remove it from the soup and shred the meat. Add the shredded ham back to the soup. If using ham hocks, remove them from the soup and shred the meat before adding it back to the soup.
6. Serve hot and enjoy your delicious split pea soup!