split pea soup

1 pound lean ham, cubed
1 bag of dry split peas (1lb)
15 large baby carrots (or about 4 regular carrots)
1 medium onion (chopped)
6-8 cups water
salt and pepper to taste

Put ham, split peas, onions, water and some salt and pepper in a large pot, bring to a boil and simmer untill peas are soft (about 2 - 2 1/2 hours). At this point you can put the peas in the blender and blend them if you want your soup to be more smooth but its not neccesary. Add carrots and cook untill carrots are done. salt and pepper to taste and serve.

This tates even better if you make it a day ahead and reheat it the next day.

Number of Servings: 8

Recipe submitted by SparkPeople user DANDREWS21503.