Slow Cooker Pea & Ham Soup

1. Begin by rinsing your dried split peas under cold water until the water runs clear.

2. In your slow cooker, combine the rinsed peas, ham bone or diced ham, chopped onion, carrots, celery, and minced garlic.

3. Add the bay leaf, thyme, and chicken broth. Stir everything together well.

4. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours, or until peas are fully softened and the soup has thickened.

5. Once cooked, remove the ham bone (if used) and shred any remaining meat, returning it to the soup. Discard the bay leaf.

6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

7. Give it a final stir and serve hot with your favorite sides.

For a creamier texture, you can blend the soup slightly with an immersion blender. If you prefer a vegetarian version, simply omit the ham and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You could also add in some diced potatoes or extra veggies like spinach or kale towards the end of the cooking time for added nutrition.