Method

1. Rinse the split peas well in cold water.
2. Peel and roughly chop the carrots celery and onion(s).
3. Put the split peas, chopped vegetables, and ham and 3 pints of water or stock into a large pot and bring slowly to the boil.
4. You can use a vegetable, chicken or ham stock cube to provide a bit more flavour, but plain water is fine.
5. Simmer gently for about 90 minutes, or until the carrot is cooked but still firm.
6. Remove ham bone; remove the meat from the bone. Trim excess fat from ham; cut into 1/2-inch pieces.
7. Stir ham into soup. Heat to boiling; reduce heat.
8. Cover and simmer about 30 minutes or until soup is desired consistency.