Ingredients:
1 lb. dry split peas,
1/2 pound smoked ham, diced,
2 carrots, diced,
1 medium onion, chopped,
2 cloves garlic, sliced,
1 cup sliced celery,
1 tbsp. butter,
8 cups light chicken stock,
2 bay leaves,
1 sprig fresh thyme,
salt to taste.
Recipe: Heat the butter in a skillet and saute the onion, smoked ham and garlic until the ham is lightly brown. Combine the sauteed ingredients with the remaining ingredients in a slow cooker. Cover with the lid and cook on low temperature until the split peas are tender, about 4-5 hours. When the split pea soup is ready, remove the bay leaves and thyme sprig. Serve the split pea soup with warm crusty Italian bread on the side.
