Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup
Ingredients
- 1 lb dry split peas
- 1 cup chopped carrots
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 1/2 cup chopped white onion
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup chopped ham
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon thyme
- 1 bay leaf
Directions
- 1
Add all ingredients to slow cooker.
- 2
Heat on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours.
- 3
When cooking cycle is complete, stir well. Remove bay leaf before serving.
Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup
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About this Recipe
Craving a deeply comforting, homemade soup that practically makes itself? This Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup with ham is the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it meal, perfect for chilly evenings when you desire something wholesome and satisfying. This simple crockpot soup recipe delivers genuine warmth with minimal fuss.
Why This Soup Works
The magic of the slow cooker truly transforms humble dry split peas into a velvety, flavorful soup with very little effort on your part. This method allows the smoky richness of the ham and the aromatic vegetables like carrots, celery, and onion to meld beautifully over several hours. The result is a robust, savory broth that perfectly complements the creamy, tender split peas, creating a deeply satisfying meal that tastes like it simmered all day, because it did.
What to Expect
You can expect a wonderfully thick and hearty soup, rich with the savory depth of ham and the earthy sweetness of carrots and celery. As the green split peas slowly break down, they create a naturally creamy texture without any added dairy, making for a truly comforting and nourishing bowl. Each spoonful offers a harmonious blend of smoky, savory, and subtly sweet flavors, balanced by the gentle warmth of thyme. This homemade soup fills your kitchen with an inviting aroma, promising a deliciously easy dinner.
Customization & Variations
While the chopped ham provides a fantastic smoky flavor, you can easily adapt this recipe. For an even richer, traditional depth, consider adding a ham hock to the slow cooker alongside the chopped ham, removing it before serving. To keep it vegetarian, simply omit the ham and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, perhaps adding a pinch of smoked paprika for a hint of smoky flavor. Feel free to incorporate other root vegetables like parsnips or sweet potato for a slightly different, equally delicious twist.
Serving & Context
This homemade slow cooker split pea soup is ideal for a cozy family dinner on a cold night, or as a hearty lunch. Serve it simply with a slice of crusty bread or a side salad to complete the meal. It’s a wholesome dish that warms you from the inside out.