Split Pea Soup

1 bag of dried split peas
6 cups of water
1 1/2 cups of diced ham steak
1/2 cup chicken broth
3 garlic cloves
1 teaspoon thyme
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/4 cupped chopped bell pepper (I like to use the red as it stands out a little)
1/4 cup chopped onion

Add all ingredients into slow cooker and let cook on low for a day. Less water can be added to cook faster but I prefer the long approach as it gives all the ingredients a chance to mesh together for flavor. I take the lid off the slow cooker after about 10 hours to let some of the water cook off. There are quicker versions of split pea soup but I like the flavors of this one. I go heavy on the garlic as I love garlic. I also add the cayenne pepper for a little kick which can be substituted for regular black pepper if prefer. The ham can also be left off or lean ham can be used to cut the calories. I put in the regular fat ham to figure out who much the true recipe is but I do adapt recipe now.

Hope you enjoy as much as I do.

Number of Servings: 8

Recipe submitted by SparkPeople user HRAMOS1920.