Description
This Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup is a rich, hearty, and nutritious comfort food that’s easy to make. Perfect for chilly days, it’s a budget-friendly meal that makes great leftovers.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups dried split peas, rinsed
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ham hock or 1 cup diced ham (optional for a vegetarian version)
- 6 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups water
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
Instructions
- Layer the ingredients: In the slow cooker, add the split peas first, followed by the onions, carrots, celery, and garlic. If using ham or a ham hock, place it on top of the vegetables.
- Add liquid and seasonings: Pour in the broth and water. Add the bay leaf, thyme, salt, and black pepper.
- Slow cook: Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours until the peas are soft and creamy.
- Remove the ham hock (if using): Take out the ham hock, shred the meat, and return it to the soup.
- Blend (optional): For a smoother texture, use an immersion blender to puree some or all of the soup.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve: Ladle into bowls and enjoy warm, optionally garnished with fresh herbs or croutons.
Notes
- Vegetarian/Vegan: Omit the ham and use vegetable broth.
- Smoky Flavor: Add smoked paprika or liquid smoke.
- Chunky Style: Leave some vegetables and peas whole.
- Creamier Version: Stir in coconut milk or heavy cream.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 7-8 hours (low) or 4-5 hours (high)
- Category: soup
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Slow cooker pea soup, split pea soup recipe, easy comfort food, hearty slow cooker soup, budget-friendly soup