Hearty Split Pea Soup

By Sharon Feldman

A little different from my other one.

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

• *1 package (16 ounces) dried split peas (I split ½ green, ½ yellow)
• 4 cups of water
• Leftover cooked ham, diced and sauteed (or use diced pancetta)
• 1 teaspoon dried onion
• 1 teaspoon celery seed
• ½ – 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• ½ teaspoon dried basil
• Croutons

Directions:

Sautee ham (or other meat you chose) until slightly browned. Put to the side. In the Dutch oven, bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Add the peas. Reduce heat to a simmer and cover for 45 minutes- to an hour. Add the seasoning. Stir to blend. Add the sautéed ham. Let simmer another 15 minutes. Buy some crusty bread and enjoy!

*I like to soak the peas overnight.