Servings: Serves 4 as a meal or 8 as a starter

1 (16-ounce) package dried green split peas, rinsed 1 (16-ounce) package dried green split peas, rinsed
2 cups diced uncured ham (*see note) 2 cups diced uncured ham (*see note)
1 cup carrots, sliced 1 cup carrots, sliced
1 cup yellow onion, chopped 1 cup yellow onion, chopped
2 ribs celery, chopped 2 ribs celery, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
6 cups beef stock (*see note) 6 cups beef stock (*see note)
Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
1 Tbs dried parsley 1 Tbs dried parsley

Layer split peas, ham, carrots, onion, celery and garlic in slow cooker.
Add the broth last and do not stir ingredients.
Cover and cook on high 4 to 5 hours or on low 8 to 10 hours until peas are very soft. Thin out soup with additional broth (or water) if needed. Salt and pepper to taste.

You can make this vegetarian by leaving out the ham and using vegetable stock instead of beef stock. Chicken stock is also good, but beef makes a "heartier" flavor.  You can make this vegetarian by leaving out the ham and using vegetable stock instead of beef stock. Chicken stock is also good, but beef makes a "heartier" flavor.