Foryoueats: Pea and Ham Soup (slow cooker or stove)

Ingredients

• 500g / 1lb dried split peas (Note 1)
• 1.2-1.5kg / 2.4-3lb ham hock (aka ham bone), bacon hock or MEATY leftover ham bone (Note 2)
• 1/4 tsp salt (start with less, adjust later)
• 3/4 tsp black pepper
• 2 garlic cloves , minced
• 2 bay leaves , dried or fresh
• 1 onion , finely chopped
• 1 carrot , peeled and finely chopped
• 2 celery sticks , finely chopped
• 8 cups (2 litres/qts) water
• Garnishes / serving:
• Parsley , finely chopped
• Crusty bread for dunking!