Crockpot Split Pea Soup

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high
Total Time: 6-8 hours
Serving Size: 6

Ingredients:

• 2 cups dried green split peas, rinsed and drained
• 1 ham bone or 2 cups diced ham
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 cup frozen peas (optional, for added texture)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Prepare Ingredients:
   • Rinse and drain the dried green split peas. Chop the onion, carrots, celery, and mince the garlic.
2. Combine Ingredients in Crockpot:
   • In the crockpot, combine the split peas, ham bone or diced ham, chopped onion, diced carrots, diced celery, minced garlic, bay leaf, dried thyme, dried rosemary, dried oregano, and chicken or vegetable broth.
3. Season and Mix:
   • Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Stir the ingredients well to combine.
4. Cook on Low or High:
   • Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The split peas should be soft, and the soup should be flavorful.
5. Remove Ham Bone and Bay Leaf:
   • If using a ham bone, carefully remove it from the crockpot. Also, discard the bay leaf.
6. Blend Soup (Optional):
   • For a smoother consistency, use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup. Alternatively, transfer a portion of the soup to a blender and blend until smooth, then return it to the crockpot.
7. Add Frozen Peas (Optional):
   • If desired, add frozen peas to the soup during the last 30 minutes of cooking for added texture.
8. Check for Seasoning:
   • Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if needed.
9. Serve:
   • Ladle the split pea soup into bowls. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley.
10. Enjoy:
    • Serve hot and enjoy the comforting and hearty crockpot split pea soup!

Note:

• This soup can be stored in the refrigerator for several days. If it thickens upon cooling, you can thin it out with a bit of broth when reheating.

Nutrition Information (per serving): Note: Nutrition values may vary based on specific ingredients used and serving sizes.

• Calories: 300
• Protein: 20g
• Fat: 5g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fiber: 20g
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 800mg