Basic Split Pea Soup Base

Buttery smooth. Serve as is or add croutons, carrots, potatoes, etc. The long process eliminates digestive issues and objectionable odors; and makes a tastier soup, too.
==Ingredients==
* 1 lb green split peas
* 1 lb slab bacon
==Equipment==
* blender
* slow cooker
== Process ==
This recipe requires 72 hours of cooking time; we start on Day 0 and serve on Day 3. Time spent working is only about an hour.
Day 0: Rinse peas thoroughly and discard any hulls. Cover with about double the volume of cold water and soak at room temperature for 24 hours.
Day 1: Drain and rinse again thoroughly. Cover with fresh water and slow-cook low for 24 hours or until peas are soft, not firm, but not starting to break up.
Day 2: Drain and rinse as before. Run in blender, about a cup at a time. Add just enough water to keep blades from cavitating. Run at medium-high speed for a minute and return to slow cooker. Cube slab bacon and add. Do not add more water now. Slow-cook low for 24 hours.
Day 3: Remove from slow cooker and store. Soup base refrigerates or freezes well. To serve, add water to desired consistency. Excellent with toast.
== Servings ==
6 to 8 servings.
Category:Slow Cooker Recipes
Category:Soup Recipes