Slow Cooker Ham & Blackeyed Pea Soup

Slow Cooker Ham & Blackeyed Pea Soup

2 - (15.8 ounce) cans Bush's Blackeye peas, drained and rinsed (this is actually a Bush recipe)
2 - cups cooked ham, diced
2 1/2 - cups water
4 1/2 - cups low sodium chicken stock
1 - small onion, diced
3 - medium carrots, peeled and diced
2 - ribs celery, diced
1 - teaspoon dried sage
1 - teaspoon dried thyme
1 - teaspoon dried oregano
1 1/2 - cups fresh or spinach, optional
1/2 - teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
2 - tablespoons lemon juice  
1 - cup cooked white or brown rice, optional 

Combine all ingredients in slow cooker except spinach, red pepper flakes, lemon juice and rice. 

Cover and cook 4-5 hours on low. Stir in spinach, red pepper flakes and lemon juice. Cook an additional 15 minutes. Stir in cooked rice before serving, if desired.