Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup

Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup Ingredients:

• Dried split peas, 16 ounces
• 6-8 cups chicken stock or broth (enough to cover ham hocks) 
• 2 smoked ham hocks (not smoked would also work, but smoked is so much better)
• 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic (I use jarred)
• 1 cup chopped carrot
• optional garnish: diced ham

Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup Directions:

1. Add ingredients to slow cooker and cook on high 4-6 hours or low for 8-10 hours.
2. Remove ham hocks and mash soup with a fork or blend with an immersion blender, depending on your consistency preference. (I like mine smoooooth).
3. Optional step: brown diced ham in a skillet and serve on soup.
4. Enjoy!