Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup

Name: Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 6 h
Total time: 6 h
Yield: 8
Ingredients: Ingredients; 1 lb dried split peas, rinsed and sorted; 1 meaty ham bone or 2 cups diced ham; 8 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth; 2 medium carrots, diced; 2 celery stalks, diced; 1 large onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 bay leaves; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste); 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced (optional); 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped