Split Pea Soup in Slow Cooker

I loooooove split pea soup it's one of my favorites! What a treat when it's the soup du jour at a restaurant. Yes please! And who knew it's so easy to make at home? And just 5 simple ingredients? Now that's a weeknight meal everyone can get behind! You can omit the ham for a delicious vegetarian soup. But in my opinion, that ham shank is the best part. Not only for the salty chunks of ham you get with every bite, but because it flavors the entire soup and really compliments the otherwise bland peas. I love to blend mine into a puree when it's finished and top it with a drizzle of really good olive oil. No need to stop at Andersen's!! (That's a killer I-5 joke if you're from California)

1 (16oz) bag of split peas

1 onion, diced

2 celery stalks, diced

2 carrot sticks, diced

1 ham hock or ham shank

7 cups water

Salt

Mix all ingredients in slow cooker (a couple pinches of salt at this time). Set on HIGH for 10 hours.

When ready to serve, remove ham and bone. Blend the soup in a blender or with a handheld immersion blender. Add the chunks of ham back into pureed soup. Ladle into bowls with a drizzle of good olive oil on top!

*Makes enough for 4-6 bowls....but you'll want to eat 2 bowls each so keep that in mind ;)