Ingredients
500g yellow split peas
1 large onion, peeled and chopped
2 large carrots, peeled and chopped
1 celery stick, chopped
2 garlic cloves, peeled and chopped
5 rashers of smoked bacon, fat removed, chopped
1 thyme sprig
2 bay leaves
3 litres of vegetable or chicken stock
Salt and pepper

Method
Place all the ingredients in the slow cooker and cook on high for 4-5 hours.

Remove the thyme sprig and bay leaves.

Blend all the ingredients either using a stick blender or in a blender.  Taste and season with salt and pepper.

Serve.