OLD-FASHIONED SPLIT PEA SOUP WITH DUMPLINGS

INGREDIENTS 1 lb yellow or green split peas 1 cup chopped onion 1 bag leaf or sprig of mint 1/8 tsp black pepper 1/2 cup grated carrot Dumplings 9 cups water 1/2 lb salt meat 1/2 tsp salt or to taste 1/2 cup chopped celery 1/4 tsp. thyme or chopped thyme leaf

METHOD: 1. Parboil salt meat to remove some of the salt. Pour off water. 2. Put all ingredients into a heavy 4 or 5 quart pot. Bring to boil over moderate heat. Simmer for 2 to 3 hours stirring constantly. 3. Remove pot from heat. Remove salt meat. 4. Using a strainer, pass soup through, mashing smooth. Return to heat and cook 1/2 hour longer. Season to taste. 5. Add dumplings to boiling soup.