Split Pea Soup with Ham

A nutritious way to use that left-over ham bone.

1 lb dried green split peas
2 qts water
2 cups diced carrots
2 cups diced celery, with tops
2 cups diced onion
1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley, or 1/4 cup dried parsley flakes
2 tsp oregano
1 Tbs salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1 bay leaf
1 meaty smoked ham bone

Combine all ingredients and heat to boiling, stirring frequently. Reduce heat ans simmer, covered, 1 1/2 hours. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Remove the ham bone from the soup pot. As soon as it is cool enough to handle, cut off all the meat and add to the soup pot.

Freezes well.