A hearty and comforting soup made with ham and split peas, perfect for a cozy meal.
Rinse the split peas thoroughly under cold water to remove any debris.
Rinsing the peas ensures a cleaner and clearer soup.
Dice the onion, carrots, and celery into small, even pieces.
Uniform pieces ensure even cooking and a better texture.
Place the ham bone, split peas, diced vegetables, bay leaf, bouillon cubes, garlic powder, and ground pepper into the slow cooker.
Layering the ingredients helps distribute flavors evenly.
Pour the water over the ingredients in the slow cooker.
Ensure the water covers all the ingredients for even cooking.
Set the slow cooker to high and cook for 4-6 hours, or until the peas are tender and the soup is thickened.
Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
Remove the ham bone, shred any meat, and return it to the soup. Discard the bay leaf.
Shredding the meat adds a hearty texture to the soup.
Serve the soup hot, garnished with croutons or fresh herbs if desired.
Serving with crusty bread enhances the meal.