Pea and Ham Soup in Slow Cooker

In a slow cooker, add the dried peas, ham hock or diced ham, celery, carrots, garlic, thyme, and bay leaf.

Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, enough to cover the ingredients by about an inch.

Mix everything together and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Cook on low for 6-8 hours or until peas are tender and the ham falls off the bone.

Remove bay leaves and ham hock from the slow cooker.

Shred the ham and return it to the soup.

Use an immersion blender to puree the soup to your desired consistency, or transfer it in batches to a blender and puree smooth.

Ladle the soup into bowls and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley, if desired.