Recipe: Slow Cooker Vegetarian Split Pea Soup with Grilled Cheese Croutons

Step 1

Place the split peas in an even layer in the insert of a slow cooker. Add the onion, carrot, celery, oil, bay leaves, salt, and season with pepper. Add the water (no need to stir), cover, and cook until the peas are soft, 5 to 6 hours on high or 8 to 10 hours on low.

Step 2

Stir the soup to incorporate the peas and broth, taste, and season with salt and pepper as needed.

Step 3

Heat the oven to broil. In a medium bowl, toss the bread with olive oil. Transfer to a baking sheet and spread into an even layer. Place the cheese on about half of the pieces. Broil bread until cheese is melted. Then, sandwich pieces together and broil until golden brown. Serve hot with the soup.