PRESSURE COOKER SPLIT PEA SOUP

PRESSURE COOKER SPLIT PEA SOUP

1 lb. dried split peas
8 cups water
1 ham bone or 1 lb. diced ham
2 medium onions, chopped small
2 large celery ribs, chopped small
2 large carrots, peeled and diced
1 bay leaf
2 beef bouillon cubes
1-1/2 tsp. salt
¼ tsp. black peppercorns, crushed
1 pinch dried thyme

In a large pot, rinse peas well in cold water. Once rinsed, cover with water and bring to a boil on stove.
Once it has come to a boil, remove from heat, cover and let sit for one hour.
Drain the peas and put peas in pressure cooker along with 6 cups of water, ham bone (not diced ham), onion, celery, bay leaf, bouillon cubes, ½ of the salt, peppercorns and dried thyme.
Put lid on cooker, place rocker on vent pipe and bring to high pressure. When at correct pressure, start timing for 20 minutes.
Let steamer release steam naturally.
If using a pork bone, remove and pull all meat off and add to soup.
Adjust salt to suit your taste at this point.
Remove bay leaf.
Add diced ham, carrots and potatoes
Add remainder of water based on your preferred thickness.
Replace lid; bring to pressure and time for 10 more minutes.
Let pressure naturally drop, remove lid and enjoy!

Yield: 8-10