Slow Cooker Split Pea and Ham Soup is a comforting classic that warms your soul. With its creamy texture and rich, savory flavor, this hearty soup embodies the essence of home cooking. The combination of tender split peas, smoky ham, and vibrant vegetables simmering together transforms your slow cooker into a humble treasure chest of comfort. Each spoonful tells a story, transporting you to cozy kitchens where the warmth of love and good food fills the air.
I remember the first time I made this soup for a chilly evening gathering. The aroma wafted through my home, drawing everyone to the kitchen like moths to a flame. Friends eagerly gathered around the table, bowls in hand, moments before the first taste. The satisfaction on their faces as they savored each bite reinforced why this recipe has become a staple in my repertoire. Simple and nourishing, Slow Cooker Split Pea and Ham Soup is not just a meal; it’s a celebration of good times with great company. I can’t wait for you to experience it, too!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: Prepped in just 15 minutes, this dish practically cooks itself in the slow cooker!
- Irresistible Flavor: The rich blend of tender split peas and savory ham creates a warm, cozy flavor that keeps you coming back for more.
- Filling & Hearty: Packed with protein and fiber, this soup is incredibly filling, making it perfect for chilly evenings or whenever hunger strikes.
- Flexible Serving: Enjoy it as a light lunch, a cozy dinner, or freeze it for easy meals down the line.
- Budget-Friendly: A straightforward recipe using affordable ingredients, great for any home cook!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 1/2 cups dried yellow split peas or green split peas, rinsed and drained: Choose whichever color you prefer! Yellow peas offer a slightly sweeter flavor, while green split peas provide more earthiness.
- 2 cups cooked ham or one ham bone with some meat on it: Leftover holiday ham works beautifully here, or use a meaty ham bone for deeper flavor.
- 3 ribs celery, diced: Adds crunch and flavor depth — aim for fresh stalks for the best taste.
- 2 medium carrots, diced: These introduce a natural sweetness and vibrant color, making the soup visually appealing.
- 1 medium onion, diced: This aromatic powerhouse enhances the base flavor of the soup.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Infuses the soup with a warm, herbal note; fresh thyme can be substituted if you have it on hand.
- 2 bay leaves: They add a subtle, savory aroma; be sure to remove them after cooking.
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper: A little goes a long way to enhance the overall flavor.
- 5 cups chicken broth: Opt for low-sodium broth to control the saltiness, or homemade broth for even better taste.
- 1 cup water: This balances the broth; you can replace it with more broth for extra richness.
- Salt to taste: Adjust at the end to enhance all the flavors.
How to Make Slow Cooker Split Pea and Ham Soup
- Combine the Ingredients: Place the rinsed split peas, diced celery, carrots, and onion into the slow cooker. Sprinkle in the dried thyme and black pepper, adding the bay leaves for a nuanced flavor kick.
- Add the Liquid: Pour the 5 cups of chicken broth and 1 cup of water over the ingredients, ensuring everything is covered. Give it a gentle stir to combine.
- Set Your Slow Cooker: Cover and cook on high for 4-5 hours or on low for 8 hours. The soup is ready when the split peas are tender and the mixture has thickened beautifully.
- Final Touches: Once cooked, discard the bay leaves and any ham bones, if used. Taste the soup and season with salt as needed before serving.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftover Slow Cooker Split Pea and Ham Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you’d like to keep it longer, freeze the soup in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. When reheating, warm it gently on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Keep in mind that the texture may thicken in the fridge; add a splash of broth or water to refresh it if needed.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Avoid overcooking the split peas. They should be soft but not mushy to maintain a pleasant texture.
- For even richer flavor, sauté the onions, celery, and carrots in a little oil before adding to the slow cooker.
- Adjust the consistency of your soup. If it’s too thick, add more broth or water until you reach your desired soupiness.
- Don’t hesitate to experiment! Add potatoes or extra veggies to suit your taste or dietary preferences.
Slow Cooker Split Pea and Ham Soup is a delightfully comforting dish that’s surprisingly easy to prepare. The vibrant green or yellow peas mixed with tender ham create a rich, fulfilling taste that can’t be beaten. Not only does this recipe showcase flexibility, but it’s also an excellent option for meal prepping. You may find that exploring variations encourages creativity in the kitchen. Enjoy the process and make it uniquely yours!
Recipe FAQs
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! To create a vegetarian version, simply omit the ham and substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth. You can add more vegetables like mushrooms or smoked paprika to create that depth of flavor.
How can I thicken the soup further?
If you prefer a thicker consistency, mash a portion of the soup with a potato masher or immersion blender before serving. This allows you to control the thickness while still keeping some whole peas intact.
Can I cook this soup on the stovetop?
Yes! Combine all ingredients in a large pot, bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover and cook for about 1.5 to 2 hours or until the split peas are tender. Just keep an eye on it and stir occasionally.
How do I know when the split peas are done?
After cooking for the recommended time, check that the split peas have softened and slightly broken apart. You’re looking for a blend of creamy and chunky texture for that perfect soup consistency.
Print
Slow Cooker Split Pea and Ham Soup
This Slow Cooker Split Pea and Ham Soup is packed with flavor and nutrition. Featuring hearty split peas, tender ham, and fresh vegetables, it’s a simple yet delicious option for a comforting meal. Perfect for a quick dinner or hearty lunch, this dish will warm you up on chilly days!
- Total Time: 5 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups dried yellow split peas or green split peas, rinsed and drained
- 2 cups cooked ham or one ham bone with some meat on it
- 3 ribs celery diced
- 2 medium carrots diced
- 1 medium onion diced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 bay leaves
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
- 5 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup water
- salt to taste
Instructions
- Place the rinsed split peas, celery, carrots, onion, dried thyme, bay leaves, and black pepper into the slow cooker.
- Add the chicken broth and water, then stir to combine all ingredients.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 4-5 hours or on low for 8 hours.
- Remove the bay leaves and ham bone (if used). Taste and add salt as needed.
Last Step:
Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.Notes
For a vegetarian version, omit the ham and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Feel free to add other vegetables like potatoes or herbs for extra flavor.
Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 315 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 920mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 14g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 28mg
