Split Pea and Ham Soup

Ingredients

• 1 pound dried green split peas (2 cups)
• 7 cups water
• 1 teaspoon canola oil
• 2 cups cubed fully cooked ham
• 2 cups chopped carrots
• 1 cup chopped celery
• 1 cup chopped onion
• 1 cup diced peeled potato
• 1 teaspoon salt, optional
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1/4 cup minced fresh parsley