Split Pea Soup

Ingredients

• 1 lb. green split peas (dry)
• 1 ham bone or ham slice
• 1 carrot, sliced
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 stalk celery, sliced
• 1 small green pepper, diced (optional)
• 1 tsp. salt (optional)
• 1/4 tsp. pepper or 2 to 3 peppercorns
• 2 or 3 small diced hot red chili peppers
• 2 qt. chicken broth and/or water