1 lb. green split peas
1 ham hock, smoked
2 onions, chopped
1 clove garlic
2 stalks celery, chopped
2 carrots, sliced thin or grated
Water to cover
Salt & pepper to taste

Put all ingredients in a soup kettle and allow to simmer about 2 hours, stirring often. May need to add more water. Remove ham hocks and pick meat from bones. Add meat to soup. Salt sparingly. Ham hocks may be salty. Pepper to taste.

NOTE: If ham hock is not available, can use leftover ham or hot dogs. Also if adding more water, can add a teaspoon of chicken bouillon.

NOTE NOTE: Lentil soup is basically made the same way. Meat can be omitted.