SLOW COOKER SPLIT PEA SOUP

Ingredients

  • 1 (16 ounce bag) green split peas, rinsed well and drained
  • 2 carrots, peeled and chopped small
  • 2 ribs celery, chopped small
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped white or yellow onion
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic
  • 1/3 cup chopped fresh Italian (flat leaf) parsley
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 teaspoon salt, plus additional as needed
  • Fresh ground pepper, to taste
  • 1 meaty ham bone
  • 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth (or more, as needed), divided

Instructions

  1. Layer the ingredients, through the ham bone, in a slow cooker in the order listed. Add about 4 to 5 cups of chicken broth, just enough to cover ingredients. Reserve remaining chicken broth for later. Cover and cook on HIGH for 7 to 8 hours.
  2. Stir occasionally during cooking time. When peas are tender, remove ham bone to a cutting board. Pull off tear the ham into small pieces and return it to the slow cooker. Discard ham bone and bay leaf. Use a spoon to lightly mash some of the peas against the side of the slow cooker and stir until nice and creamy, adding more broth, if needed, to reach desired consistency. Taste and season with additional salt and pepper, as needed.
  3. This soup freezes exceptionally well. Freeze cooled soup in freezer containers. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then reheat in microwave or in a saucepan on the stove. When reheating, thin with a little water or chicken broth, if desired.

Notes

Please note that not all slow cookers will cook at the same rate. Some readers have found that cooking on HIGH for 7 to 8 hours was too long while others have found it to be just right. If you are unsure about your appliance, check the soup after several hours and turn to LOW if needed.