Split Pea Soup

Recipe courtesy of CNJ110505

Ingredients:

• 16 oz. package split peas (Jack Rabbit or any dry pea brand)
• 3 quarts water (4 cups)
• 1 Ham bone
• 1 large onion finely chopped
• 2 chicken bouillon cubes or 2 tablespoons of instant chicken bouillon
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon oregano leaves
• ¼ to ½ teaspoon pepper
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 ½ cups finely sliced carrots
• 1 cup chopped celery

Directions:

• In a large deep pot combine peas, water, ham bone, onion, chicken bouillon, and seasonings.
• Simmer (low heat) uncovered 1 ½ hours.
• Remove ham bone, trim off meat and return meat to pot.
• Stir in carrots and celery.
• Simmer for additional 2 to 2 ½ hours or to desired thickness of soup.