Aertsoppa (Pea Soup)

Ingredients

• 1 12 cups yellow split peas
• 2 quarts cold water
• 1 12 cups diced baked ham
• 34 cup minced onion
• 3 celery ribs
• with tops sliced
• 1 -2 carrot
• diced
• salt and pepper

Instructions

1. Soak peas in water overnight.
2. Add ham, onion, celery and carrots; heat to boil.
3. Cover, simmer 2 hours until peas are tender and liquid partially cooked down.
4. Season to taste.
5. For smoother soup, put through a sieve.
6. Dilute as desired with milk.