A Precursor To Soup Alchemy

Today's shot is some of the preparation that my brother carries out in the making of his legendary (in our family's humble opinion) pea and ham soup.
He only makes it occasionally but I swear some kind of alchemy is involved because it always tastes absolutely delicious. Easily the best soup I've ever eaten!
The preparation itself can be a bit on the messy side (my brother will admit he is not the tidiest of cooks!) but I thought these scattered remnants of ingredients actually made a striking abstract image! :-)