Old-Fashioned Split-Pea Soup

By EdieK

This is another favorite for using leftover ham from a holiday meal.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups quick-cooking split green peas
• 1 quart water
• 2 1/2 lb fully cooked ham shank
• 2/3 cup coarsely chopped onion
• 1/4 cup cut-up carrot
• 1 parsnip chopped
• 1/2 cup coarsely chopped celery
• 2 parsley sprigs
• 1 clove garlic
• 1 bay leaf
• 1/2 tsp sugar
• 1/8 tap dried thyme leaves ( I use fresh if I have it)
• 1/8 tap pepper
• 1 can chicken broth

Details

Servings 8

Preparation

Step 1

In 3 1/2 quart kettle, combine peas and 1 quart water; bring to boiling. Reduce heat; simmer, covered, 45 minutes. Add more water if necessary.
Add ham shank and rest of ingredients; simmer, covered, 1 1/2 hours.
Remove ham shank from soup; cool; cut ham from bone; dice. Discard bay leaf.
Press vegetables and liquid through coarse sieve if desired.
Return to kettle. Add ham; reheat slowly, uncovered, until thoroughly hot - 15 minutes.