CHUNKY SPLIT PEA SOUP

Chunky Split Pea Soup image

Provided by @MakeItYours

Number Of Ingredients 14

1 (16-ounce) package dried split peas
5 large carrots, chopped (about 2 cups)
1 cup chopped onion
3 celery stalks, chopped (about 1 cup)
1 1/2 cups diced cooked ham
1/4 teaspoon ground red pepper
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
4 cups water
1 tablespoon ham base (See Note)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
3 1/2 cups chicken broth
1 bay leaf
1 1/4 cups flavored croutons

Steps:

Place peas in a 5- to 6-quart slow cooker. Cover with water 2-inches above peas; let soak 8 hours (see Note). Drain and rinse; return peas to slow cooker. Add remaining ingredients except croutons to slow cooker.
Cover and cook on LOW setting 8 hours or until peas are tender and soup is thick. Remove and discard bay leaf. Ladle into individual bowls, top evenly with croutons, and serve immediately.
Notes
Look for ham base in the supermarket near the bouillon.
Soak the peas the night before, and they'll be ready for the slow cooker the next morning.
Read more at http://www.mrfood.com/Soup-Recipes/Chunky-Split-Pea-Soup-4253/ml/1#mV34qEV9S7ZbctUC.99