Crockpot Split Pea Soup Recipe

Just a bit of chopping, and this wonderful recipe is ready for the slow cooker. It cooks all day while you are away, so it's ideal for the working family. This hearty soup is not the prettiest soup on the block, by far, but the taste and texture can't be beat. Hot soups, especially those made in the slow cooker, are the best when it's cold and snowy outside. Split peas, unlike other legumes such as black beans or kidney beans, do not need to be soaked before cooking. Just sort over the peas and remove any pieces of dirt, small stones, and sticks. Remember that split peas are a raw produce, and may have some contamination. Remember that acidic ingredients can prevent split peas and other legumes from softening. Do not add any tomato products or lemon or vinegar to this recipe or the peas will not soften properly. And make sure that your peas aren't old. Buy a new batch for this recipe. The long cooking time of this recipe means the peas will be cooked very soft, and some will break apart and thicken the soup. Serve this warming and delicious soup with some cheese crackers, a green salad, or a fresh fruit salad for a wonderful meal on a cold night.