Split Pea Soup

My friend gave me her grandmothers recipe for Split Pea soup, it is SO delicious. I forgot one of the ingredients and added a couple new ones of my own, I will definitely be making this recipe for years to come! To see the original recipe on Lauren's blog, click here. I have listed the recipe below, but it incorporates some of my changes. Warning, this recipe makes a bunch! I am going to freeze some left overs and see how it does.  I served this soup up with some toasted jalapeno asiago cheese focaccia bread! Just drizzled with olive oil and broiled in the oven for about 5 minutes.

2 pounds dried split peas

1/2 bag baby spinach

3 large carrots

1 bunch green onions

4 red potatoes

1 yellow onion

1 pound asparagus

1 large ham bone

2 zucchinis

18 cups of water

1 pound of bacon

salt and pepper

2 teaspoons garlic powder

Directions:

• Wash all the veggies and chop into large chunks
• Put all the vegetables through a food processor until they are the size of very large confetti
• Place all the veggies, water, peas, ham bone and spices into a large pot
• Bring to a boil, stir frequently
• Cut bacon into small pieces and saute until crispy and brown, drain and set aside.
• Simmer soup for about 2 hours.
• Add more salt and pepper to taste.
• Serve in a bowl and garnish with bacon!