Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup with Ham and Crusty Bread

Instructions

1. 1

   Rinse the split peas and pick out any small stones.

2. 2

   Add peas, ham, diced onion, carrots, celery, minced garlic, broth, bay leaves and thyme to a slow cooker. No need to brown anything.

3. 3

   Cover and cook on LOW 7-8 hours or HIGH 4 hours, until the peas break down.

4. 4

   Remove the bay leaves and stir hard to make it creamy. Thin with water if it is too thick.

5. 5

   Taste before salting since the ham is already salty. Serve with crusty bread.