Step 1

After rinsing and sorting the split peas, add them to the crock pot.

Step 2

Add your choice of meat, if using (such as a leftover ham bone, ham hock, etc.)

Step 3

Add the onion, celery, bay leaves, thyme, carrots, garlic, and pepper.

Step 4

Pour in the broth and stir (Add liquid smoke, if using, for vegetarian method).

Step 5

Place the lid on the crock pot.

Step 6

Cook on Low for 7-8 hours, until the peas are soft and creamy.

Step 7

When the cooking time has finished, remove the bay leaves and the ham bone or ham hocks, if you used them.

Step 8

Stir the soup well, and taste. Add the salt as desired.

Step 9

Serve hot. The soup will thicken quite a bit when it cools, that is normal. It will thin out again when reheated.