Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup
Try this Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup recipe.
Try this Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup recipe.
- 2 bay leaves
- pepper
- celery
- kosher salt
- 3 carrots, chopped
- bacon
- garlic
- 1
- 1/2
- onion
- chopped
- 3
- 2
- cups
- 1/4
- 1/4 tsp pepper
- 1 onion, diced
- 6
- 4
- 7
- carrots
- bay leaves
- 6 slices bacon chopped
- cloves
- tsp
- lb
- small
- diced
- slices
- thyme leaves
- ribs
- leftover ham bone
- 2 - 3
- ingredients 1 lb green split peas rinsed and sorted (unsoaked) meaty ham bone (or meat of your choice. see below) 1 onion, diced 3 ribs celery, diced 2 bay leaves 1/4 tsp thyme leaves, dried (or 3 sprigs fresh) 3 carrots, chopped 4 cloves garlic, pressed or finely minced 1/4 tsp pepper 7 c
- 1 lb green split peas rinsed and sorted (unsoaked) meaty ham bone (or meat of your choice. see below) 1 onion, diced 3 ribs celery, diced 2 bay leaves 1/4 tsp thyme leaves, dried (or 3 sprigs fresh) 3 carrots, chopped 4 cloves garlic, pressed or finely minced 1/4 tsp pepper 7 c
- 1 lb green split peas rinsed and sorted (unsoaked) meaty ham bone (or meat of your choice. see below) 1 onion, diced 3 ribs celery, diced 2 bay leaves 1/4 tsp thyme leaves, dried (or 3 sprigs fresh) 3 carrots, chopped 4 cloves garlic, pressed or finely minced 1/4 tsp pepper 7 c
- 1 lb green split peas rinsed and sorted (unsoaked)
- green split peas
- rinsed and sorted (unsoaked)
- meaty ham bone (or meat of your choice. see below)
- meaty ham bone
- (or meat of your choice. see below)
- 3 ribs celery diced
- 1/4 tsp thyme leaves dried (or 3 sprigs fresh)
- dried (or 3 sprigs fresh)
- 4 cloves garlic pressed or finely minced
- pressed or finely minced
- 7 cups low sodium chicken or vegetable broth
- low sodium chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 tsp liquid smoke (optional) for vegetarian version
- liquid smoke (optional)
- for vegetarian version
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt add last, after cooking, if needed (1/4 tsp table salt)
- add last after cooking if needed (1/4 tsp table salt)
- use any of these for your meat (or a combination o chopped 2 small ham hocks (not very meaty, but add a nice smoky flavor and richness) 1 leftover ham bone (i like to use this with the diced ham) 2 - 3 cups diced leftover ham
- use any of these for your meat (or a combination o
- 6 slices bacon chopped 2 small ham hocks (not very m but add a nice smoky flavor and richness) 1 leftover ham bone (i like to use this with the diced ham) 2 - 3 cups diced leftover ham
- 2 small ham hocks (not very meaty but add a nice smoky flavor and richness)
- ham hocks
- (not very meaty but add a nice smoky flavor and richness)
- 1 leftover ham bone (i like to use this with the dic
- (i like to use this with the diced ham)
- 2 - 3 cups diced leftover ham
- diced leftover ham
- Carbohydrate 831.161184067076 g
- Cholesterol 1418.824 mg
- Fat 901.788454489139 g
- Fiber 315.586489088479 g
- Protein 694.104538338224 g
- Saturated Fat 239.813150417218 g
- Serving Size 1 1 recipe (6945g)
- Sodium 19595.6351808037 mg
- Sugar 515.574694978598 g
- Trans Fat 74.7058327145894 g
- Calories 14048 calories
Step-by-step
- Rinse and sort 1 lb green split peas.
- In a slow cooker, combine the split peas, a meaty ham bone (or meat of your choice), 1 diced onion, 3 diced celery ribs, 2 bay leaves, 1/4 tsp dried thyme leaves (or 3 sprigs fresh), 3 chopped carrots, 4 cloves pressed or minced garlic, and 1/4 tsp pepper.
- Add 7 cups of low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth.
- Add 1 tsp liquid smoke (optional, for vegetarian version).
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the split peas are tender.
- If needed, add 1/2 tsp kosher salt (or 1/4 tsp table salt) after cooking.
A Hearty Bowl of Comfort: My Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup Adventure
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook delicious and nutritious meals can feel like a Herculean task. Juggling work deadlines, school runs, and household chores leaves little room for elaborate culinary creations. That's why I've embraced the slow cooker – my kitchen's secret weapon for effortless, flavorful meals. This slow cooker split pea soup is a perfect example of how simple ingredients, a little planning, and the magic of slow cooking can transform a weeknight dinner into a comforting, soul-satisfying experience.
I've always loved split pea soup, that earthy, robust flavor that warms you from the inside out. But let's be honest, traditional recipes can be time-consuming. The constant stirring, the careful monitoring – it's not always feasible when you're short on time. Enter the slow cooker! With minimal prep work in the morning, I can come home to a steaming bowl of perfection, ready to nourish my family after a long day. The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability. You can easily customize it to your liking, adding different meats or vegetables, experimenting with spices, and creating a soup that reflects your personal preferences.
The Magic of the Ham Bone: While many recipes call for ham hocks, I often use a leftover ham bone. It imparts an incredible depth of flavor without the need for additional salt or seasonings. The bone itself adds a rich, savory essence, giving the soup a satisfyingly meaty taste. If you don't have a ham bone, don't worry; other meats like smoked pork ribs, sausage, or even just some diced ham work wonderfully well too. The choice is entirely yours! For a vegetarian option, simply omit the meat altogether and enjoy the richness of the vegetables and broth. The addition of liquid smoke creates a smoky depth that mimics the flavor profile of traditional ham-based recipes.
Beyond the Basics: While the basic recipe is wonderfully simple and delicious, don't hesitate to experiment and make it your own. Consider adding other vegetables like diced potatoes or parsnips for added texture and nutrients. A sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives before serving adds a burst of freshness. Experimenting with different spices can also transform the soup's flavor profile. A dash of smoked paprika adds a smoky sweetness, while a pinch of cayenne pepper delivers a subtle kick. A squeeze of lemon juice at the end brightens the overall flavor, balancing the richness of the soup beautifully.
The Perfect Weeknight Meal: The best part about this slow cooker split pea soup is its versatility. It's the perfect meal for a busy weeknight, a cozy weekend lunch, or even a comforting dinner party dish. It reheats beautifully, making it ideal for meal prepping. Plus, it's incredibly budget-friendly, making it a practical choice for families looking for delicious and affordable meals. The slow cooking process tenderizes the split peas to perfection, resulting in a creamy, smooth texture that's truly irresistible. The slow cooker does all the work, allowing you to focus on other important aspects of your day. You won't believe how effortlessly you can create a bowl of warmth and comfort.
More Than Just Soup: This split pea soup is more than just a meal; it's a feeling. It's the aroma that fills your kitchen, the warmth that spreads through your body with each spoonful, and the feeling of satisfaction that comes from creating a nourishing and delicious meal for yourself and your loved ones. It's a reminder to slow down, appreciate the simple things, and savor the moments of comfort and connection that good food provides. So, go ahead, embrace the simplicity and magic of slow cooking, and treat yourself to a hearty bowl of this delicious split pea soup. You won't regret it!
So there you have it – my go-to slow cooker split pea soup recipe. It’s a testament to the fact that delicious and nourishing meals don’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. With a little planning and the help of a trusty slow cooker, even the busiest among us can create something truly special.
