1 # ( about 2.5 cups) split peas
3 Qts water
1 3/4 – 2# smoked ham hocks or a large ham bone
1 large onion, minced
1 cup diced carrots
1 cup diced celery
1 bay leaf
1 TBSP lemon juice
2 tsp salt
1/8 tsp. pepper
Rinse and sort peas.
In a large soup kettle, combine peas, water, and bone –Simmer covered 2 – 2.5 hours.
Add remaining ingredients, simmer covered 45 minutes. Remove bone from soup, cut meat from bone; dice and add to soup.
For a thicker soup – simmer UNCOVERED 20 – 30 minutes longer.
Season to taste.
Serves 10 -12
