Paula's Split Pea Soup

1/2 of a 16 oz bag of split peas rinsed and drained
4 cups water
1 ham hock or meaty ham bone
1/3 cup chopped onion
1/3 cup chopped celery
1/3 cup chopped carrots
1 bay leaf
1 tsp minced garlic

Combine all ingredients in a large stock pot or Dutch oven with lid; salt and pepper to taste. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat; reduce heat to simmer. Cover and simmer 1 hour or until peas are soft, stirring occasionally. Remove bay leaf and ham hock; cut meat off bone and dice. Add meat back into soup.
8 Servings