Split Pea Soup

Split Pea Soup

I suggest using a 6-quart slow cooker. Serve topped with whole wheat croutons.

Ingredients:

1 lb. dry split peas, rinsed well and drained

2 c. diced ham

1 c. prepared bacon, crumbled

1 medium yellow onion, diced

1 c. celery, diced

2 c. carrots, thinly sliced

1 clove garlic, minced

1/2 tsp. dried thyme

2 bay leaves

1 (32-oz.) container chicken broth

2 c. tap water

Directions:

1. In the crock of a slow cooker, combine all ingredients. Cover and cook on low for 7 to 8 hours.

Remove bay leaves.

2. Working carefully in batches, puree about half the soup on a blender and return to crock. Stir to combine.

Apron Strings Notes: If I have a ham bone leftover from another recipe, I will add it to the crock in step 1 and remove before step 2. I use a stick blender to puree the soup directly in the crock and add a bit of water to thin the finished soup. Depending on the taste, you may wish to season with salt and pepper.