A comforting and flavorful vegan split pea soup packed with vegetables, perfect for a cozy meal.
Prepare the vegetables by peeling and dicing the carrots, celery, and onion.
Uniformly diced vegetables ensure even cooking and a consistent texture.
Layer the split peas, diced vegetables, garlic cloves, bay leaf, salt, and pepper in the slow cooker.
Avoid stirring to keep the layers intact for even cooking.
Pour the hot water over the ingredients in the slow cooker.
Hot water speeds up the cooking process and helps the flavors meld together.
Cover and cook on high for 4-5 hours or on low for 8-10 hours, until the split peas are tender.
Check the soup occasionally towards the end of cooking to ensure the peas are soft but not overcooked.
Remove the bay leaf and garlic cloves before serving.
Removing these ensures a smoother texture and prevents overpowering flavors.
Serve the soup warm, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Fresh parsley or dill makes a great garnish for added freshness and color.