Slow Cooker Pea & Ham Soup Recipe
Introduction
Slow Cooker Pea & Ham Soup is a comforting and hearty dish perfect for chilly days. It combines tender split peas with savory ham and vegetables, making a nutritious meal with minimal effort.
Ingredients
- 1 cup split peas
- 1 cup cooked ham, diced
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 4 cups water or low-sodium broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Rinse the split peas thoroughly under cold water to remove any debris.
- Step 2: Add the split peas, diced ham, chopped carrots, chopped onion, and water or broth to the slow cooker.
- Step 3: Stir to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Step 4: Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, or until the peas are soft and the soup has thickened.
- Step 5: Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, sauté the onions and carrots briefly before adding them to the slow cooker.
- Use smoked ham hocks or bone-in ham for a richer broth.
- Add a bay leaf or herbs like thyme for additional aroma during cooking.
- For a creamier texture, blend part of the soup before serving.
Storage
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a little water if it becomes too thick. You can also freeze the soup for up to 3 months—thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use green peas instead of split peas?
Green peas will not break down as well as split peas and may not create the same creamy texture. Split peas are best for this recipe.
Do I need to soak the split peas before cooking?
No soaking is necessary for split peas; they cook well straight from dry, especially in a slow cooker.
PrintSlow Cooker Pea & Ham Soup Recipe
A comforting and hearty Slow Cooker Pea & Ham Soup made with tender split peas, savory ham, fresh carrots, and onions. This easy, hands-off recipe lets the slow cooker do the work, creating a rich, flavorful soup perfect for a cozy meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 to 8 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes to 8 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Salt
Ingredients
Soup Ingredients
- 1 cup dried split peas, rinsed
- 1–2 cups cooked ham, diced
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 6 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Rinse the split peas thoroughly under cold water. Dice the cooked ham, peel and chop the carrots, and finely chop the onion.
- Combine in Slow Cooker: Add the rinsed split peas, diced ham, chopped carrots, and onions into the slow cooker. Pour in the water or chicken broth. Stir gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Cook the Soup: Cover and set the slow cooker to low heat. Let it cook for 6 to 8 hours, or until the split peas are very soft and the soup has thickened to your liking. Stir occasionally if possible.
- Season and Serve: Once cooked, taste the soup and add salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh herbs or crusty bread on the side.
Notes
- Use low-sodium broth or water to control the salt content.
- For a creamier texture, blend a portion of the soup before serving.
- This soup freezes well for up to 3 months.
- You can add garlic or herbs like thyme for extra flavor.
Keywords: pea soup, ham soup, slow cooker recipes, comfort food, split peas, easy soup, healthy soup
