[header] How to make split pea soup [title] Sort and rinse the peas. [step] Because peas are a natural product, the package may contain small stones, dirt, or pea pod fragments. Sift through the dried split peas with your fingers and pick these out. 
Once you're left with just peas, rinse them in a fine mesh strainer to clean off dust. [title] Soak the peas (optional).