Norwegian - Golden Split Pea Soup with Ham

[Olga Drozd]

Norwegian - Golden Split Pea Soup with Ham

A Norwegian favourite, hearty enough to serve as a main course.

2 medium size yellow onions, peeled and coarsely chopped
2 tablespoons bacon drippings, butter, or margarine
2 cups diced, cooked ham
1 pound yellow split peas, washed and sorted
12 cups water
1/8 teaspoon rosemary
1 tablespoons salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper

Stir fry onions in drippings 5-8 minutes in a large saucepan over moderate heat until pale golden.  Add ham and stir fry 5 minutes.  Add remaining ingredients, cover, and simmer 1 hour, stirring occasionally.  Serve steaming hot with buttery chunks of garlic bread.

VARIATION:  Lentil and Ham Soup:  Prepare as directed, substituting 1 pound lentils for the peas and simmer 3/4 hour until tender, not mushy.