Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup with Garlicky Croutons

Fans of split pea soup will go crazy for bowls of this version that requires almost no hands-on time. If you sop up every last drop of this slow-cooker split pea soup, fantastic; if you have leftovers, even better--it might just be tastier the next day once the flavors have melded. Garnish with fresh thyme sprigs, if desired.

Ingreadient

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 6 ounces diced ham
  • 1 ½ cups chopped yellow onions (from 1 onion)
  • 1 cup chopped carrots (from 1 carrot)
  • ½ cup chopped celery (from 1 celery stalk)
  • 2 tablespoons minced garlic (about 6 garlic cloves)
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 6 cups unsalted chicken stock
  • 1 pound dried split peas
  • 1 cup chopped peeled russet potato (from 1 potato)
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 ½ teaspoons fresh thyme leaves
  • 4 ounces french bread, cut into 1/2-inch slices