Easy Creamy Split Pea Soup Recipe for Slow Cooker

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450 g) dried green split peas, rinsed and sorted
• 1 medium onion, diced (about 1 cup)
• 2 carrots, diced (about 1 cup)
• 2 celery stalks, diced (about 1 cup)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 4 cups (1 L) vegetable or chicken broth (low-sodium recommended)
• 1 cup (240 ml) water (optional, adjust for consistency)
• 1 cup (150 g) diced ham or bacon (optional for a vegetarian version)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 cups (about 100 g) cubed stale bread
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp dried oregano or mixed herbs
• Pinch of salt