Split Pea Soup

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons Land O Lakes® Butter
• 2 ribs (1 1/2 cups) celery, chopped
• 1 medium (1 cup) onion, chopped
• 9 cups water
• 2 medium (1 cup) carrots, chopped
• 1 1/2 pounds ham shanks
• 1 (16-ounce) bag dried green split peas
• Salt, as desired
• Pepper, as desired

Instructions

1. 1

   Melt butter in 4-quart saucepan over medium-high heat until sizzling. Add celery and onion; cook 3-5 minutes or until vegetables are softened.

2. 2

   Add all remaining ingredients except salt and pepper. Cook over medium heat 12-14 minutes or until mixture comes to a boil. Reduce heat to low. Cover; cook, stirring occasionally, 1 hour or until soup begins to thicken.

3. 3

   Remove ham shanks. Continue cooking 30 minutes.

4. 4

   Cut meat off bones; discard bones. Return meat to soup. Cook 5-10 minutes or until heated through. Season to taste with salt and pepper, as desired.