This is a classic, comforting soup that practically cooks itself. The slow cooker transforms simple ingredients into a creamy, flavorful meal. Using a ham bone or hocks adds incredible depth, but diced ham works great for a quicker option.
Yields: 6-8 servings
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 8 hours on LOW / 4-5 hours on HIGH
Ingredients
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1 pound (about 2 ¼ cups) dried green split peas, rinsed and picked over
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1 meaty ham bone, 2 ham hocks, or 2 cups diced cooked ham
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1 cup sliced baby carrots (or regular carrots, sliced)
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1 cup chopped yellow onion (about 1 medium onion)
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2 cloves garlic, minced (optional, but recommended)
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6 cups low-sodium chicken broth (or water, but broth adds more flavor)
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1 bay leaf
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½ teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
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Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste (add at the end)
