Hearty Ham Barley Soup

From the Kitchen of: Joe Valencic

Ingredients:

1/2C Sweet onion

2 Cloves Garlic

3 Celery stalks

1/2Bag baby carrots – cut up into rings or whole

3-4 Medium potatoes peeled and diced

1-1/2C Pearled Barley

1 – 15oz Can of peas

1# Smoked pork butt, cooked ham or smoked ham hocks – diced

3 – 14.5oz Cans of chicken broth or stock

6C Water

Salt/Pepper to taste

In a large stock pot (8qt or larger) cook onions in a little oil until translucent. Add celery, garlic and carrots and cook for 4-5 minutes. Add ham and potatoes and cook for 5 minutes. Add remaining ingredients and liquid. Cover pot and bring to a boil, then turn down heat and simmer for 1-1/2 hrs. Adjust seasoning and serve with fresh crusty bread & butter and fresh cracked pepper.