3 tips for converting a soup recipe into a slow cooker recipe:

1. Adjust the cooking time: Cooking a soup in a slow cooker can take longer than cooking it on the stove, so adjust the cooking time accordingly. A good rule of thumb is to cook soups on low heat for 6-8 hours, or on high heat for 3-4 hours. However, keep in mind that the cooking time may vary depending on the ingredients and the size of your slow cooker.
2. Layer ingredients properly: Layering ingredients properly in your slow cooker can help ensure even cooking. Start with the densest ingredients, like root vegetables and meat, at the bottom, and layer softer ingredients, like leafy greens, on top. This can help prevent overcooking and ensure that all the ingredients are cooked to perfection.
3. Adjust the liquid: Slow cookers can trap moisture, so you may need to reduce the amount of liquid in your soup recipe. As a general rule, you can reduce the liquid by 1/3 to 1/2 when converting a recipe to a slow cooker recipe. However, keep in mind that some ingredients, like pasta or rice, may absorb more liquid as they cook, so you may need to add more liquid later on.

1. Rinse and sort the split peas: Before cooking, rinse the split peas in cold water and sort through them to remove any debris or damaged peas. This helps remove any dirt or impurities and ensures that the soup has a smooth texture.
2. Soak the split peas (optional): Soaking the split peas overnight can help them cook more quickly and evenly. If you choose to soak them, drain the soaking water before adding the peas to the soup.  We have never done this for lentils or split peas. 
3. Add flavor with aromatics: Aromatics like onions, garlic, and bay leaves can add depth and complexity to split pea soup. Sautéing the aromatics in butter or oil before adding them to the soup can help develop their flavor.
4. Use a ham hock (optional): Adding a ham hock to the soup can add smoky, savory flavor to the split peas. As the soup cooks, the ham hock releases flavor into the broth, infusing the soup with a rich, meaty taste. You can also use diced ham instead of a ham hock.
5. Purée the soup (optional): Puréeing the soup with an immersion blender or in a blender can give it a smooth, creamy texture. This is especially helpful if you don’t like the texture of whole split peas in your soup. Just be careful not to over-purée, as the soup can become too thick and lose its texture.
6. Adjust the seasoning: Split pea soup can be fairly bland on its own, so be sure to taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Salt, pepper, and herbs like thyme or parsley can help bring out the flavors of the soup.