Slow Cooker Split Pea And Bacon Bone Soup Recipe

Cooking Directions

• STEP 1.Rinse the split peas and place them in a slow cooker.
• STEP 2.Add the bacon bone, onion, carrots, celery, garlic, thyme, bay leaves, and chicken broth to the slow cooker.
• STEP 3.Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-6 hours, until the split peas are tender.
• STEP 4.Remove the bacon bone and bay leaves from the slow cooker.
• STEP 5.Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until smooth and creamy.
• STEP 6.If desired, chop the meat from the bacon bone and add it back to the soup.
• STEP 7.Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• STEP 8.Serve the soup hot with crusty bread on the side.

Cooking Tips

• If you don't have a bacon bone, you can use smoked ham hock or bacon instead.
• For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon bone and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
• You can garnish the soup with chopped fresh parsley or croutons for added flavor and texture.

Storage and Serving

• Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat the soup on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.
• Serve the reheated soup with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.