1 pound split peas
1 large onion, halved and sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons olive oil
5 cups chicken stock
5 cups water
1 meaty ham bone
1 pound carrots, peeled, cut into 1 inch pieces
1 pound potatoes, cut into 1 inch cubes
1/2 pound ham, coarsely shredded
1/2 teaspoon salt, optional
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Serving Size : 8
Rinse split peas well, drain and set aside. Heat oil and garlic in an 8 quart pot and sauté onion and garlic until onion is translucent, about 4 – 5 minutes. Add water, chicken stock, split peas and ham bone. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover and simmer 1-1/2 hours. Stir into pot carrots, potatoes, ham, salt, if using, black pepper and 1/4 cup of the parsley. Cover and simmer 45 minutes. Remove bone from pot. Shred any meat on bone and add to pot. Serve soup in bowls sprinkled with remaining parsley.