Split Pea Soup

2 tbls olive oil
1 onion
2 cloves garlic
1 ham hock (about 1 1/2 lbs)
1 lb green split peas, rinsed and picked over
3 carrots, chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped
6 cups chicken broth
1 tsp thyme
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped

In a skillet, saute the onion and garlic in the olive oil over medium heat.

Place ham hock in center of slow cooker and spread peas around it. Add the onion and garlic, carrots and celery. Then pour in broth, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cover and cook on LOW for 8-10 hours or on HIGH 4-5 hours.

Finish soup by removing ham hock. Allow to cool for about 15 minutes. Remove the meat from the bone and stir back into the soup (discard bone). Stir in parsley and serve.

Serves 6-8