Hearty Ham Lentil Split Pea Soup

This is a wonderful hearty soup that isn't overly thick but it's packed with flavour. It's very filling and don't be surprised if people want seconds with this one!

Makes: 10-12 cups

Ingredients:

1 ham bone (leave a bit of meat on it)

10 c water or enough to almost cover the ham bone

2 c chopped ham

1/2 c onion chopped

1 c celery chopped

1 large carrot chopped

3 med sized potatoes

1 c dried lentils

1 c dried split peas 

1 c dried black beans

4 dried bay leaves

3 sprigs fresh parsley chopped

1 vegetable bouillion cube

1 tsp black pepper

1 tsp pink himalayan salt

1 tsp herbamare 

1 tsp garlic granules

Directions:

1. Wash the lentils, peas and beans in cold water, rinsing thoroughly removing any that float to the top. Then place in a large bowl to soak for at least 2-3 hours or overnight. Rinse and drain.

2. In a slow cooker pot, add 1 large ham bone, spices and the celery, onion, and carrot. Add lentils. Stir everything together.

3. Turn on your slow cooker for approximately 10 - 12 hours. (I usually set mine up at about 9 pm at night and cook on low setting overnight.

3. In the morning, stir everything and remove the ham bone. Add the potatoes and the chopped ham. Slow cook for a further 4 hours. 

4. Remove the bay leaves before serving. Serve piping hot!

 -----Recipe created by Emily Price, C.H.N.C., Emily Price Nutrition Consulting