IBHomesteading.com

This is similar to how I make split pea soup. But, I use a left over ham bone and don't mash it up. I cook the ham bone until the meat is falling off, refrigerate overnight so i can take the fat out the next day, then cook split peas, onions, carrot, celery and potato together until done, then add the meat. Season to taste.

3 onions, chopped
3 carrots, chopped
3 cloves of garlic, sliced
500grams of bacon bones
1 smoked pork hock
Hot water
500grams split green peas

In a large crockpot, combine the onions, carrots, garlic, bacon bones and pork hock, and cover with hot water. Cook until the meat is falling off the bones.

Remove the bones, reserve the meat.

Rinse and pick over the split peas. Add to the broth. Cook covered until everything is soft enough to be mashed together. Blend well. Add the meat after shredding it to bite sized bits.

Serve.

I make batches big enough to freeze portions of. If it's too think for your tastes, add more water, though i have a friend who says it's no good if you can't stand a spoon up in it. :P The stuff I made was, when cooled, thick enough to slap between bricks for mortar. Now THAT'S a hearty soup.