Blizzard Soup! a.k.a. Split Pea-Lentil-Pinto Bean Soup

1¼# slice of smokey ham – cubed

¼     med onion – finely chopped

2T    butter
3c    water

1¼c split peas

¾c   lentils

3      bay leaves

1T    powdered rosemary
fresh black pepper

Saute' the ham and onion in butter until ham begins to brown. Add water, peas, lentils and seasonings.

Simmer an hour or two until the peas begin to 'melt' and the soup thickens, then add:

2c  chopped celery and tops

3    carrots – sliced

3lg elephant garlic cloves – sliced

¾  med onion – chopped
3-6c  additional water

Simmer another hour. Add drained-rinsed pinto beans, heat through and serve. The powdered onion soup was not needed, the ham, other herbs and seasonings gave the soup just the right flavor without it :o) . . . Lin