1 pkg. (1 lb.) green or yellow split peas
2 qts. boiling water
1/4 lb. lean salt pork, in one piece
1 lg. carrot, pared and diced
1 large stalk celery, diced (include tops)
5 sm. green onions, trimmed and sliced
2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. freshly ground pepper

Sort peas; place in large heavy kettle; add boiling water and salt pork. Set over moderate heat; cover. Let bubble gently 1 1/2 hours.

Add carrot, celery, onions, 2 teaspoons salt and pepper. Recover and simmer 30 minutes. Uncover, turn heat to lowest point and simmer very slowly 1 to 1 1/2 hours longer, stirring occasionally until quite thick. Taste - you may need to add a bit more salt, depending on how salty the salt pork was.