Busy week ahead? Add this slow-cooker recipe to your meal plan for an easy dinner. Save even more time by ordering a smoked pork shank from your Hy-Vee Meat department or substitute with a 1-lb. bone-in ham steak.

Slow-Cooker Split Pea Soup

Rinse split peas; add to a 6- or 7-qt. slow cooker. Stir in carrots, potato, onion, garlic, bay leaves, ground thyme, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Add pork shank, water, and broth. Cover and cook on LOW 8 to 10 hours or on HIGH 4 to 5 hours. 

Discard bay leaves. Remove pork; shred meat. Discard fat and bone. Transfer one-third vegetable mixture to a blender. Cover and blend until smooth; stir into mixture in slow cooker. Add pork to soup. Sprinkle with additional pepper and garnish with green onions, if desired. 