Recipe: Peasant Soup (like Olga's)

PEASANT SOUP (LIKE OLGA'S)

4 cups water
1 small smoked ham hock
1 cup split peas or lentils, soaked several hours
1/2 cup finely grated carrot
1/4 cup chopped celery
1/4 cup finely chopped onion
1 sprig parsley, cut fine
1 bay leaf
1/8 teaspoon thyme
Salt and pepper to taste

Combine all ingredients in pressure cooker; cook at 10 pounds for 45 minutes.

Remove ham hock; skin and dice; add meat to soup.

IF YOU DO NOT HAVE A PRESSURE COOKER:
In a large pot saute the carrots, celery and onion until slightly softened. Add the water, split peas, ham hock, herbs and seasonings. Cover partially and cook for about an hour on gentle simmer. Remove ham hock, skin and dice and return meat to pot.

Makes 6 servings
Source: The Detroit News.