Spit Pea Soup

Here is a great recipe for using up a leftover ham bone. It was a favorite of my mother.

Ingredients:

1 leftover ham bone

1 cup of chunked ham pieces

1 celery stock

1 small onion

1 small bell pepper

1 carrot 

2 cups dried split peas

2 quarts water

1 tablespoon olive oil

Begin by rinsing the peas in a fine mesh strainer. Look for small pebbles that sometimes end up in the bag.  This will also remove any dirt also.

Place the celery, onion, pepper, and carrot in a food processor.  Chop vegetables into coarse pieces.

In a large stock pot add oil and heat over medium heat until oil is shimmering.  Add vegetables and cook until softened and aromatic. Add two quarts of water and bring to a boil. Add peas. Cook at a high simmer for 20 minutes.  Reduce heat and and add ham bone.

Simmer 30 to 40 minutes until peas are very soft.

Remove bone, and with a food mill or sieve over a large bowl, press peas and vegetables through until you have  a thick paste. Discard remaining hulls. 

Add mixture back into the stockpot and simmer. If too thick, add water a little bit at a time until soup has the consistency you desire.

Add ham chunks and and cook until ready to eat. Grab a sandwich,  serve up a bowl, and enjoy!