Crock Pot Split Pea Soup (Lower-Fat)

I have left the chili flakes as optional you may omit of adjust to suit heat level, also all chicken broth or all water may be used, also the milk is optional and to be added in at the end of cooking --- using fat-free milk makes this soup extremely low-fat.

• Ready In: 4 hrs 10 mins
• Serves: 6-8

Ingredients

• 16  ounces  dried split peas
• 2  cups  fully-cook  cubed ham
• 1  large carrot, peeled and diced
• 1  onion, chopped
• 1  tablespoon  fresh minced garlic
• 2  bay leaves
• 1⁄2 teaspoon seasoning salt
• 1⁄4-1⁄2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
• 1  teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 4  cups  very hot chicken broth
• 2  cups boiling water
• 1⁄3-1⁄2 cup  hot milk (optional and to be added in at the end of cooking)

Directions

1. Pick out and discard any discolored split peas then rinse thoroughly in a colander under cold water then spread into the bottom of the crockpot.
2. Layer the next 10 ingredients over the peas as stated starting with the ham and lastly the boiling water (do not add in the cream and DO NOT STIR!).
3. Cover and cook on HIGH setting for about 4-5 hours or until veggies are tender.
4. OPTIONAL at the end of cooking stir in hot milk then discard the bay leaf.