This classic soup is lightened up with extra-lean ham – which you can just omit to make this recipe vegetarian.

Recipe Nutritional Information:

Servings: 4

Estimated Total Preparation Time: 1 hour, 20 minutes

Calories per Serving: 527

Recipe Ingredients:

1 lb green split peas

8 cups water

2 celery stalks, chopped

1 large onion, chopped

2 large carrots, peeled and chopped

6 oz smoked fully cooked extra-lean ham (about 5% fat), diced

Salt and pepper

1 cup croutons

Preparation:

1. Add peas to water and bring to boil in large pot.

2. Reduce to simmer. Add celery, onions, and carrots, mixing occasionally.

3. After approximately one hour (or once soup nears desired consistency), add ham.

4. Add salt and pepper to taste.

5. Serve after soup reaches desired consistency. Divide into four equal portions (about 2 cups each) and top each with ¼ cup croutons.

(Note: Soup will thicken when stored. Simply add water when reheating.)