Discover the ultimate comfort food with this incredibly easy and delicious slow cooker split pea soup with ham recipe. Perfect for chilly evenings or a hearty family dinner, this budget-friendly meal requires no pre-soaking of peas, making it a truly effortless culinary delight. Utilizing leftover ham, especially after holiday feasts, transforms it into an even more economical and flavorful dish. Let your slow cooker do all the work, creating a rich, savory soup that will quickly become a cherished family favorite.
Embarking on a culinary adventure using dried beans might seem daunting at first, especially if you’re accustomed to pre-packaged ingredients. However, preparing a delicious, homemade slow cooker meal from scratch is surprisingly simple and deeply rewarding. This particular split pea soup quickly earned its place among our family’s favorite crockpot recipes due to its incredible flavor and minimal effort. What began as an experiment to utilize holiday leftovers blossomed into a monthly tradition, proving that some of the best dishes are born from a willingness to try something new.
Many home cooks might shy away from dried legumes, imagining hours of soaking and complex preparation. Let me assure you, this recipe dispels those myths entirely. The beauty of slow cooking is its ability to tenderize and meld flavors over several hours, transforming humble ingredients into something extraordinary. This initial success with dried peas opened a world of possibilities, encouraging us to explore countless other homemade creations, all from simple, wholesome ingredients.
The Secret to Rich Flavor: Ham Bone or Ham Hocks
One of the most significant flavor enhancers for this split pea soup is undoubtedly the ham bone, or alternatively, readily available ham hocks. Throughout the year, using smoked ham hocks is a fantastic, inexpensive way to infuse your soup with deep, smoky goodness. You can often find them at your local grocery store for a very reasonable price. As they slowly cook with the peas and vegetables all day, the meat becomes incredibly tender, effortlessly falling off the bone. Once cooked, simply scoop out the bones before serving and discard them, leaving behind only succulent, flavorful ham pieces that enrich every spoonful.
Beyond ham hocks, a small pork shank can also work wonders. Placed at the bottom of your slow cooker, it will yield similar results: meat that easily peels away after hours of slow cooking. The inherent saltiness and savory notes from the ham or pork eliminate the need for excessive additional seasonings, ensuring a balanced and deeply satisfying broth. This method not only maximizes flavor but also ensures you get the most out of every cut of meat, making it an excellent choice for a hearty and economical meal.
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Split Pea Soup
Crafting a truly memorable split pea soup begins with selecting quality, yet simple, ingredients. The star of our recipe, of course, is the dried split peas. These can often be found in bulk bins at organic markets or in packaged bags at any grocery store. Their quick cooking time in the slow cooker makes them incredibly convenient, requiring no prior soaking.
For the protein component, my go-to is usually leftover ham, diced into bite-sized pieces. If you don’t have leftovers, a cut up ham steak or the aforementioned ham hocks are excellent alternatives, providing that classic savory depth. For those seeking a vegetarian option, simply omit the ham and add a bit of smoked paprika for a hint of smoky flavor, or incorporate plant-based protein like lentils or chickpeas.
A crucial element for achieving tender peas and rich flavor is the cooking liquid. While water can be used, vegetable broth is highly recommended for its ability to significantly enhance the overall taste profile of the soup. Its inherent savory notes provide a wonderful foundation, far surpassing plain water in flavor contribution.
Fresh vegetables are key to a well-rounded split pea soup. Diced carrots and celery add essential sweetness and earthy undertones, while finely chopped yellow or white onions provide an aromatic base. These vegetables are not only super inexpensive but also readily available year-round, adding a delightful texture and nutritional boost to your meal.
Seasoning is straightforward yet vital. A touch of salt and pepper, adjusted to your personal taste, is all you need. Remember that broth often contains sodium, so start with a lighter hand and adjust towards the end of cooking. For an extra layer of classic flavor, consider adding one or two bay leaves during the cooking process; they can be removed before serving. This simple combination ensures your soup is perfectly seasoned without overpowering the natural flavors of the peas and ham.
Creative Variations and Substitutions for Your Soup
This slow cooker split pea soup recipe is not only delightfully wholesome but also incredibly versatile and economical. It’s truly amazing how a handful of affordable ingredients can transform into such a satisfying meal. With the meat already on hand, the total cost for a large batch of soup can be remarkably low, often just a few dollars. If you’re buying ham, look for pre-cooked, diced ham near the bacon section for added convenience. Browning this slightly before adding it to the slow cooker can enhance its flavor, creating a delightful crispiness that adds depth to the soup, both when mixed in and as a garnish.
Adding Potatoes for Extra Heartiness
For an even more substantial and filling meal, consider adding potatoes to your split pea soup. A bag of diced frozen hash browns works perfectly for convenience, or you can chop fresh red or russet potatoes into small, breakfast-potato-sized cubes. The potatoes will cook down and release starches, contributing to a wonderfully thicker and heartier consistency that turns this soup into a truly robust stew.
The final consistency of your soup is also easily adjustable. For a thick, almost stew-like texture, similar to the inviting image at the top of this article, use around 6 cups of vegetable broth or water. If you prefer a slightly thinner, more pourable soup, resembling the picture at the bottom, increase the liquid to 7 cups. Whichever way you choose to prepare it, this split pea soup promises to be a comforting and beloved meal for everyone at the table.
The “No-Soak” Secret: Do Split Peas Need to Be Soaked?
One of the best features of cooking with split peas, especially in a slow cooker, is that there’s absolutely no need for pre-soaking! You can use them straight from the bag, making your meal prep quicker and easier. Whether you’re using a slow cooker or an Instant Pot for split pea soup, these legumes soften beautifully without any prior treatment. The prolonged, gentle heat of a slow cooker, or the high pressure of an Instant Pot, works wonders, breaking down the peas to create a wonderfully smooth, creamy soup that everyone adores. While an Instant Pot can achieve this in a fraction of the time (around 17 minutes under high pressure), the slow cooker offers the unparalleled convenience of a “set it and forget it” method. Simply combine all your ingredients in the morning, and by the time you return home, a delicious, comforting meal is ready to be enjoyed with just a lift of the lid!
Hearty Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup with Ham
Comment
Print Recipe
Equipment
-
1 slow cooker (6-quart recommended)
Ingredients
- 16 oz split peas, dry (no soaking required)
- 7 cups vegetable broth, or water (use more for a thinner soup)
- 2 large carrots, diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 1/3 small onion, diced
- 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 2 large ham hocks, or 2.5 cups diced leftover ham (bite-sized)
- Optional: 1-2 bay leaves
Want to save this recipe? Just save the link or pin it for later!
Instructions
-
Rinse dried peas thoroughly under cold water. Add them along with the vegetable broth (or water) to your slow cooker.
-
Dice your carrots, celery, and onion into medium-sized pieces and add them to the crockpot. Sprinkle in the salt (you can always adjust seasoning at the end if preferred). Add optional bay leaves if using.
-
If using ham hocks, place them in the middle of the pot. If using diced leftover ham, sprinkle the pieces evenly throughout the pot.
-
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for approximately 7-8 hours, or until the split peas are incredibly soft and the ham is tender. If using ham hocks, carefully remove them, allow to cool slightly, cut off the meat, discard the bones, and return the shredded ham to the pot. Stir well.
-
Give the soup a good stir. If you prefer a thinner consistency, add a little more broth or water until it reaches your desired thickness. Note that the soup will naturally thicken as it cools and even more so if you have leftovers the next day.
Nutrition
Serving: 6oz, Calories: 288kcal, Carbohydrates: 36g, Protein: 21g, Fat: 6g, Saturated Fat: 2g, Cholesterol: 21mg, Sodium: 453mg, Potassium: 737mg, Fiber: 15g, Sugar: 5g, Vitamin A: 2675IU, Vitamin C: 2.6mg, Calcium: 49mg, Iron: 2.9mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
This recipe truly showcases the versatility and economic benefits of using a whole or half ham. It’s incredible how many hearty meals, like our Crockpot loaded baked potato soup, can be created from a single ham, making it an exceptionally cost-effective protein source throughout the year. For this split pea soup, I highly recommend using a 6-quart slow cooker, ideally one with a locking lid. This feature is particularly useful if you plan to transport your delicious soup to a potluck or family gathering, ensuring a spill-free journey and a warm, ready-to-serve dish upon arrival.
Frequently Asked Questions About Split Pea Soup
Absolutely! Split peas are an excellent source of dietary fiber, which is known to help lower cholesterol and promote digestive health. Incorporating ham adds a good amount of protein, making it a balanced and satisfying meal. If you’re aiming for a lower-fat version, you can reduce the amount of ham or choose leaner cuts, but generally, this soup is a nutritious choice.
Generally, split pea soup naturally thickens as it cooks and cools due to the starches released by the peas. You’ll notice it becomes even thicker if you have leftovers the next day. If you prefer an even denser consistency, you can easily thicken it further. A simple method is to whisk together a small amount of flour or cornstarch (about 1-2 tablespoons) with an equal amount of cold water until smooth. Stir this slurry into the hot soup during the last hour of cooking, or just before serving, and let it simmer for a few minutes to thicken. You can also mash some of the peas against the side of the pot or use an immersion blender to achieve a creamier, thicker texture.
When cooking split peas in a slow cooker, ensuring they are fully submerged in liquid, the cooking time typically ranges from 7 to 8 hours on the low setting. This extended, gentle cooking process allows the peas to break down completely, creating a smooth and tender soup. While it’s possible to try a shorter cooking time on high (around 3-4 hours), for the best, most consistently smooth texture, the longer low-and-slow method is highly recommended, as rushing the process can result in a less creamy soup.
Absolutely, cooking ham hocks directly in your slow cooker split pea soup is an excellent way to infuse deep, smoky flavor without any need for pre-cooking. The slow cooking process tenderizes the ham hocks beautifully, allowing the meat to easily pull away from the bones after about 6 hours. At this point, it’s advisable to remove the hocks from the pot, carefully discard the bones, shred the succulent meat, and return it to the soup. Letting the soup continue to cook for the remaining 1-2 hours with the shredded ham will allow the flavors to meld perfectly, resulting in an exceptionally rich and delicious dish.
Storing and Reheating Leftover Split Pea Soup
One of the many joys of making a large batch of split pea soup is the delicious leftovers! This soup saves remarkably well, providing comforting meals for days to come. To ensure optimal freshness and safety, always allow the soup to cool completely to room temperature before transferring it into an airtight container. Stored properly in the refrigerator, your leftover split pea soup will remain fresh and flavorful for 3-4 days.
When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheating is simple. Transfer the desired portion to a microwave-safe bowl. Keep in mind that the soup will have thickened considerably in the refrigerator, so you’ll want to add a splash of extra broth or water to thin it out to your preferred consistency. Stir the liquid in thoroughly. Heat the soup in the microwave for about 45 seconds, then stir again. Continue heating in 30-45 second intervals, stirring in between, until it reaches your desired warmth and consistency. For an extra treat, consider adding a sprinkle of shredded cheese and some crispy bacon bits to the top of your reheated soup; these garnishes elevate the flavor and texture beautifully.
Other Easy Soup Recipes for Dinner You’ll Love
If you’re a fan of these easy soup recipes, you’ll undoubtedly appreciate our other comforting creations. Our Crockpot Italian wedding soup recipe often tops our list of favorites, offering a delightful blend of savory flavors and hearty meatballs. You can certainly opt for the convenience of frozen meatballs, but we also provide instructions on how to craft your own using raw sausage links for an authentic touch.
Chicken soup in the Crockpot is a timeless classic, always a comforting win whether you’re feeling under the weather or simply seeking a warm meal on a rainy day. For another excellent way to utilize a leftover ham bone, our Instant Pot barley soup is wonderfully satisfying. And of course, nothing quite beats leftover ham bean soup the day after Easter or any holiday, a true testament to comfort food at its finest. These recipes offer a variety of flavors and textures, ensuring there’s always a perfect soup to warm your soul.
