Dianne's Split Pea Soup 1 pound package of split peas 6 cups of water ham bone with lots of meat left on it several dashes of rubbed thyme several shakes of red pepper a handful of carrots slices 1. Put all ingredients into soup pot with tightly fitting lid. 2. Simmer while covered for four or more hours. 3. Turn ham bone every hour so all the meat is exposed to liquid. 4. Use tongs to remove pieces of bone. 5. Season to taste. If the ham is sufficiently salty, soup will probably not need additional salt.