HEARTY VEGETABLE SPLIT PEA SOUP

Hearty Vegetable Split Pea Soup image

This slow-cooker soup is my secret weapon on busy days. It's delicious served with oyster crackers that are tossed in a bit of melted butter and herbs and then lightly toasted in the oven. -Whitney Jensen, Spring Lake, Michigan

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Lunch

Time 7h10m

Yield 8 servings (2 quarts).

Number Of Ingredients 9

Ingredients

1 package (16 ounces) dried green split peas, rinsed
1 large carrot, chopped
1 celery rib, chopped
1 small onion, chopped
1 bay leaf
1-1/2 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon pepper
6 cups water

Steps:

In a 3- or 4-qt. slow cooker, combine all ingredients. Cook, covered, on low 7-9 hours or until peas are tender. Stir before serving. Discard bay leaf. Freeze option: Freeze cooled soup in freezer containers. To use, partially thaw in refrigerator overnight. Heat through in a saucepan, stirring occasionally; add water if necessary.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 202 calories, Fat 1g fat (0 saturated fat), Cholesterol 0 cholesterol, Sodium 462mg sodium, Carbohydrate 36g carbohydrate (5g sugars, Fiber 15g fiber), Protein 14g protein. Diabetic Exchanges