Slow Cooker Pea Soup

It's winter.

Well, it's not winter yet, but it is officially the first day of autumn. And I've had to wear a sweater in the morning on the way to work. That's how I know winter is coming.

Because of that, I felt it was time to post a recipe I've had in my drafts since last year. I just never got around to posting it, and summer never seemed like the right time. But now it's time for soups and hearty foods. This seemed perfect.

Enjoy the rest of the summer as long as it lasts, but when winter finally creeps up you can have this easy soup ready to go.

Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup

Ingredients

• 1 pound dried green split peas, rinsed
• 2 medium carrots, peeled and medium dice
• 2 medium celery stalks, medium dice
• 1/2 medium yellow onion, medium dice
• 2 medium garlic cloves, minced
• 2 fresh Italian parsley sprigs
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 meaty smoked ham bone or 2 ham hocks (about 1 pound)
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth (1 quart)
• 2 cups water
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

Directions

1. Put all ingredients in crockpot and set to low for 8 hours. 
2. Adjust seasoning to taste and add more water to thin out if necessary. Super easy.
3. Top with sour cream and parsley if desired. Serve with crusty bread