Welcome to the ultimate guide for making an unbelievably **easy Crock Pot Express split pea soup recipe** that will be ready to delight your taste buds in just 18 minutes! Forget the long hours of simmering or the hassle of pre-soaking peas. Our fresh, homemade split pea soup is designed for busy individuals and families, promising a wholesome and deeply satisfying meal that quickly becomes a cherished favorite.
In today’s fast-paced world, finding time to prepare nutritious, home-cooked meals can be a real challenge. As a busy individual juggling multiple responsibilities, I understand the need for quick yet delicious dinner solutions. That’s precisely where a reliable pressure cooker like the Crock Pot Express becomes an indispensable kitchen hero. It transforms lengthy cooking processes into rapid culinary adventures, allowing you to create heartwarming dishes without spending hours over the stove. This recipe is a prime example of its magic, joining a growing collection of Crock Pot Express recipes designed to simplify your life and elevate your home cooking.
Mastering the Crock Pot Express Split Pea Soup Recipe
This pressure cooker split pea soup recipe is wonderfully versatile, catering to diverse dietary preferences. If you’re aiming for a **vegetarian split pea soup**, simply omit the ham. Rest assured, the soup will still boast a rich, savory flavor that’s incredibly satisfying. However, for those who enjoy a heartier meal, incorporating savory ham hocks or any leftover ham bits adds an unparalleled depth of flavor that we absolutely adore. The beauty of the Crock Pot Express lies in its multi-functionality. You can effortlessly sauté and brown ingredients right in the same pot, softening onions and enhancing flavors before adding the remaining components. This seamless one-pot method is a true blessing, especially when you walk into the kitchen after a long day and need a comforting meal on the table before hunger strikes too fiercely.
Key Ingredients for a Perfect Split Pea Soup
Crafting the perfect split pea soup begins with selecting quality ingredients. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and some tips for each:
- Dry Split Peas: The star of our soup! Unlike other legumes, split peas do not require pre-soaking, which is a huge time-saver for this **no soak split peas** recipe. You can easily find them in most grocery stores alongside other dried beans or lentils. Look for green split peas for their classic flavor and vibrant color.
- Vegetables: We love adding a medley of fresh vegetables to enhance both flavor and nutritional value. For this recipe, we recommend 1-2 medium **carrots** and 2 stalks of **celery**. Feel free to adjust the quantities based on your preference. If you prefer very tender carrots, slice them thinner; for a firmer texture, cut them into thicker rounds. Other great additions include diced potatoes or a handful of fresh spinach added at the end.
- Broth: Using **vegetable broth** as the liquid base is crucial for imparting a richer, more complex flavor compared to plain water. It adds a savory depth that truly elevates the soup. If you happen to have chicken broth on hand, a 50/50 mix of vegetable and chicken broth also works wonderfully and tastes fantastic.
- Onions: Diced white or yellow onions are a delightful addition, though entirely optional. Under the high pressure of the Crock Pot Express, they become incredibly tender and practically melt into the soup, making them almost imperceptible to even the pickiest eaters. This is a great way to sneak in extra vegetables!
- Ham (Optional): For a savory, smoky dimension, diced ham is a fantastic choice. You can use diced ham steak, crispy bacon bits, or even the delicious leftover ham from holiday meals. If you’re making a **vegetarian split pea soup**, simply omit this ingredient.
- Salt: While vegetable broth already contains sodium, a touch of extra salt helps to bring out all the flavors. We recommend starting with a small amount and adjusting to taste after the soup is cooked. Remember, it’s always easier to add more salt than to remove it! A good quality sea salt can make a noticeable difference. Find high-quality salt here.
- Olive Oil: Essential for sautéing the onions and ham at the beginning, providing a base layer of flavor.
Expert Tips for the Best Pressure Cooker Split Pea Soup
Achieving the perfect consistency and flavor in your split pea soup is easy with these simple tips:
- Texture Preference: The cooking time directly impacts the soup’s smoothness. For a soup with a bit of texture, where the peas retain a slight bite, 17-18 minutes on the soup setting is ideal. If you prefer a really creamy, fully broken-down soup, increase the pressure cooking time to around 19 minutes. Keep in mind that longer cooking times will also result in softer vegetables. For an ultra-smooth consistency, an immersion blender can be used directly in the pot after cooking.
- Serving and Storage: This **quick split pea soup** is best enjoyed immediately after cooking, when its flavors are at their peak. It also stores exceptionally well. However, when refrigerated overnight, the soup tends to thicken significantly as the peas continue to absorb liquid. Don’t worry, this is normal! When reheating, simply thin it out with a little more vegetable broth or water until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Enhance Flavor: A bay leaf added during cooking can infuse the soup with a subtle, aromatic note. Don’t forget to remove it before serving! A dash of black pepper, a pinch of dried thyme, or a tiny splash of apple cider vinegar at the end can also brighten the flavors beautifully.
- Garnishes: Elevate your serving with simple garnishes. A sprinkle of fresh parsley, a swirl of cream, a few croutons, or a dollop of Greek yogurt can add a touch of elegance and extra flavor.
Crock Pot Express Split Pea Soup Recipe
By Justine
This Crock Pot Express split pea soup recipe is unbelievably easy and done in just 18 minutes! Enjoy fresh, homemade split pea soup that tastes incredible and will surely become a family favorite.
Prep: 15 mins
Cook: 18 mins
Total: 33 mins
Servings: 6
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Equipment
- 1 pressure cooker (e.g., Crock Pot Express or Instant Pot)
Ingredients
- 42 oz vegetable broth
- 2 cups split peas, dry
- 1 cup ham, diced (optional, for a richer flavor)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 large carrots, cut into rounds or diced
- 2 stalks celery, cut
- 1 tsp salt (or to taste)
Instructions
- Turn your Crock Pot Express to the brown/sauté function. Add olive oil, diced onions, and optional ham. Sauté for a few minutes until the onions are softened and translucent, and the ham is lightly browned.
- Press the ‘Stop’ or ‘Cancel’ button to turn off the sauté function.
- Add all other listed ingredients to the pot and stir everything together thoroughly.
- Secure the lid on your pressure cooker and ensure the steam release valve is set to the ‘Sealing’ position.
- Select the ‘Soup’ setting (this typically defaults to high pressure) and set the cooking time to 18 minutes.
- Once cooking is complete, perform a quick release of the pressure according to your appliance’s instructions. Carefully open the lid. Stir the soup and taste. If desired, sprinkle with additional salt. Serve hot and enjoy!
Nutrition
Calories: 125kcal,
Carbohydrates: 6g,
Protein: 5g,
Fat: 8g,
Saturated Fat: 2g,
Cholesterol: 14mg,
Sodium: 1483mg,
Potassium: 193mg,
Fiber: 1g,
Sugar: 3g,
Vitamin A: 3880IU,
Vitamin C: 3mg,
Calcium: 16mg,
Iron: 0.3mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation only.
Additional Info
Course: Main Course, Soup
Cuisine: American
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This **healthy split pea soup recipe** is more than just a meal; it’s a warm hug in a bowl. Keep this recipe close for those chilly evenings when you crave a hearty, feel-good comfort soup. It pairs beautifully with a side of warm, crusty rolls or a fresh green salad, making for a complete and utterly satisfying dinner. Enjoy the simplicity and the incredible flavor of homemade split pea soup, made effortlessly with your Crock Pot Express!
More Delicious Crock Pot Express Recipes You’ll Love
If you’ve enjoyed the ease and speed of this split pea soup, you’re in for a treat with other pressure cooker creations. The next recipe you absolutely must try is our Crock Pot Express pinto bean soup. It’s crafted from scratch and, just like our split pea soup, requires no pre-soaking of beans, making it incredibly convenient. This flavorful bean soup serves as a fantastic standalone meal or can be perfectly paired with our tender Pressure Cooker Pot Roast for a truly memorable dinner spread. Explore the full potential of your Crock Pot Express and discover how simple and rewarding home cooking can be!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can I make this split pea soup without a Crock Pot Express?
- While this recipe is optimized for the Crock Pot Express (or any similar pressure cooker like an Instant Pot) for its speed, you can adapt it for stovetop cooking. You’ll need to pre-soak the split peas overnight, then simmer the soup for 1-1.5 hours, or until the peas are tender. Ensure you add enough liquid as it will evaporate more quickly on the stovetop.
- Do I really not need to soak the split peas?
- That’s correct! One of the fantastic benefits of using a pressure cooker for split peas is that it drastically reduces cooking time and eliminates the need for pre-soaking. The high-pressure environment tenderizes the peas quickly and efficiently.
- What if I don’t have vegetable broth?
- Vegetable broth provides excellent flavor, but you can substitute it with chicken broth for a non-vegetarian version. In a pinch, water can be used, but you might want to add extra seasoning, a bouillon cube, or herbs to boost the flavor.
- Can I add other vegetables to the soup?
- Absolutely! This recipe is highly customizable. Feel free to add diced potatoes, parsnips, a handful of fresh spinach (stirred in at the very end), or even chopped kale for added nutrition and flavor. Adjust cooking time slightly if adding denser vegetables.
- How long does split pea soup last in the fridge?
- Properly stored in an airtight container, your homemade split pea soup will last for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. It also freezes well for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding extra broth as needed to adjust consistency.
- Is this recipe gluten-free?
- Yes, this Crock Pot Express split pea soup recipe is naturally gluten-free, provided all your ingredients, especially the broth, are certified gluten-free. Always check labels to be sure.