Pictures: http://easteuropeanfood.about.com/od/polishsoups/r/splitpeasoup.htm
Please make sure to make a veg-friendly version.

Prep ingredients: trim and cut celery stalks into 1/2-inch pieces. Peel and cut large carrots into 1/2-inch pieces. Rinse the split peas. Chop the onions and garlic.

Add garlic, onion, celery and carrots to pot and saute in vegetable oil over medium heat until limp.

Add water, peas, ham bone and bay leaf. Bring to a boil, skimming any foam that rises to the top. Add the chopped ham, potatoes, salt and pepper to taste, and return to a boil. Reduce to a simmer, cover and cook on low for 1 hour or until peas have completely broken down, stirring frequently to avoid scorching.

Serve with rye bread.