Dive into a bowl of pure comfort with this incredible split pea soup crockpot recipe. This classic dish transforms simple ingredients into a deeply flavorful, satisfying meal. The magic of your slow cooker means minimal effort for you, while a meaty ham bone infuses every spoonful with rich, savory goodness. Get ready for an easy, hearty, and unbelievably delicious experience that tastes like it cooked all day.
Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Split Pea Soup
This slow cooker split pea soup is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. You’ll adore how effortlessly it comes together, delivering maximum flavor with minimal fuss.
- Effortless Hands-Off Cooking: Just set it and forget it! Your slow cooker does all the hard work.
- Deep, Savory, Comforting Flavors: The ham bone slowly releases its delicious essence, creating an incredibly rich broth.
- Budget-Friendly Ingredients: Split peas and a ham bone are economical staples that yield a luxurious meal.
- Hearty, Satisfying Meal: This soup is packed with protein and fiber, keeping you full and content.
- Great for Meal Prep: It tastes even better the next day, making it ideal for lunches throughout the week.
Hearty Ham and Bean Soup
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large soup pot, combine the water or broth and drained white beans. Bring to a low boil.
- Add the chopped onion, carrots, celery, and minced garlic to the pot and stir to combine. Add the bay leaves and thyme.
- Stir in the diced ham. Reduce heat to low and let the soup simmer gently for about 2 hours, stirring occasionally and skimming any foam from the surface.
- Taste and season with salt and pepper as desired. Remove the bay leaves and thyme sprigs before serving.
- Serve hot with crusty bread or crackers for a cozy meal.
Notes
Ingredients
Making this hearty split pea soup crockpot recipe requires just a few simple ingredients. You’ll be amazed at the depth of flavor these common items create.
According to the USDA, split peas are a good source of protein and fiber, contributing to a nutritious and filling meal.
- 20 ounces dried split peas (green or yellow, see note)
- 5 cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
- 2 cups water (see note)
- 1 meaty ham bone (or 2 cups leftover ham, see note)
- 3 ribs celery (diced)
- 2 large carrots (diced)
- 1 large onion (diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 bay leaf
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme leaves
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Notes & Substitutions
You have choices when it to ingredients for this incredible split pea soup. Green peas offer a classic, slightly sweeter flavor, while yellow peas are milder. Feel free to use low-sodium vegetable broth if avoiding chicken. If a ham bone isn’t available, smoked ham hocks or 2 cups of pre-cooked diced ham work well; adjust cooking time for pre-cooked ham, adding it in the last hour. For extra veggies, try leeks or diced potatoes. Dried herbs are convenient, but you can use fresh; just triple the amount. Always taste and season with salt after cooking, as ham can be quite salty.
Equipment
Gathering your tools before you start makes cooking much smoother. You’ll only need a few basic kitchen items for this delicious split pea soup.
- A 6-quart slow cooker (or larger) is essential.
- A sharp knife and cutting board for vegetable prep.
- Standard measuring cups and spoons to ensure accuracy.
How to Make Split Pea Soup in Your Crockpot
Crafting this comforting split pea soup crockpot recipe is incredibly straightforward. Just follow these simple steps for a delicious, warming meal with minimal effort.
- Prepare Vegetables: Start by dicing your celery, carrots, and onion into small, uniform pieces. This ensures they cook evenly and melt into the soup. Next, mince your garlic cloves finely to distribute their aromatic flavor throughout the dish.
- Rinse Peas: Place your dried split peas in a fine-mesh sieve. Rinse them thoroughly under cold running water for about a minute. This removes any debris or starch and ensures a cleaner-tasting soup. Drain them very well before proceeding.
- Combine Ingredients: Carefully transfer the rinsed split peas to your 6-quart (or larger) slow cooker. Add the diced celery, carrots, and onion, along with the minced garlic. Nest the meaty ham bone right in the center. Pour in the chicken broth and water. Finally, add the bay leaf, black pepper, and dried thyme leaves. Ensure all ingredients are nestled comfortably within the slow cooker pot.
- Cook: Secure the lid tightly on your slow cooker. Set the cooking temperature to HIGH and cook for 4-5 hours, or set it to LOW and cook for 8 hours. The peas should become very tender and break down, and the ham meat should be falling off the bone.
For safe cooking, the USDA provides guidelines for using slow cookers, ensuring food reaches a safe temperature.
- Remove Ham Bone: Once cooking is complete and the peas are tender, carefully use tongs to remove the ham bone from the slow cooker. Be gentle, as it might be very soft.
- Shred Ham (Optional): If there’s any meat clinging to the ham bone, allow it to cool slightly. Pick or shred the ham off the bone and discard the bone itself. Return the shredded ham meat to the soup. This adds extra texture and flavor to your homemade split pea soup crockpot creation.
- Discard Bay Leaf: Locate and remove the bay leaf from the soup. It has imparted its flavor and is no longer needed.
- Stir and Season: Give the soup a good stir to combine all the delicious ingredients. Stir in the fresh chopped parsley. Now, taste the soup. Ham can be quite salty, so add additional salt only if necessary, along with more black pepper to your preference. Serve hot and enjoy!
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
Achieving the perfect crockpot split pea success is easy with a few insider tricks.
- No Soaking Peas: The long, slow cooking time in the slow cooker makes pre-soaking your dried split peas completely unnecessary.
- Salt Carefully: Ham often brings a lot of salt to the party. Always taste your soup before adding any extra salt; you can always add more, but you can’t take it away.
- Adjust Consistency: If your split pea soup crockpot creation seems too thick, simply stir in a little more chicken broth or water until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Creamier Texture: For an extra smooth, creamy soup, use an immersion blender to blend a portion or all of the soup directly in the slow cooker.
- For Extra Smoke: If you desire a deeper, smoky flavor, add a teaspoon of smoked paprika along with the other seasonings.
- Troubleshooting: If peas are still firm after cooking, continue cooking on HIGH for another hour. If too much liquid, remove the lid for the last hour of cooking to allow some evaporation.
Serving, Storage, and Variations
This versatile split pea soup crockpot recipe is fantastic as is, but also perfect for customizing and meal planning.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your warm and inviting split pea soup with a few simple accompaniments. A slice of crusty bread is ideal for soaking up every drop. You can also top individual bowls with croutons for crunch or a sprinkle of extra diced ham. For a Southern flair, serve it alongside cornbread.
Storage & Freezing
This soup is excellent for leftovers! Refrigerate any remaining split pea soup in an airtight container for 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze it in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through.
Variations
- Vegetarian Version: Easily omit the ham bone. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and add a teaspoon of smoked paprika for depth.
- Spicy Kick: Stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes with the other seasonings for a subtle warmth.
- Extra Veggies: Boost the nutritional content by stirring in a few handfuls of fresh spinach or kale during the last 15 minutes of cooking.
- Different Ham: Experiment with other cuts like smoked ham hocks or fully cooked diced ham, adjusting cooking times accordingly.
Nutrition Information
This hearty, nutritious split pea soup is packed with goodness. It provides a significant amount of plant-based protein from the split peas, which is essential for muscle health. It’s also an excellent source of dietary fiber, promoting digestive health and keeping you feeling full longer. You’ll also get a good dose of essential vitamins and minerals like folate, iron, potassium, and B vitamins. This makes it a wholesome and energizing meal choice.
| Nutrient | Amount Per Serving (Estimated) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 kcal |
| Total Fat | 9g |
| Saturated Fat | 3g |
| Cholesterol | 25mg |
| Sodium | 850mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 40g |
| Dietary Fiber | 15g |
| Sugars | 5g |
| Protein | 20g |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Got questions about this easy split pea soup crockpot recipe? We have answers!
Do I need to soak split peas for slow cooker?
No, you do not need to soak split peas for the slow cooker. The long cooking time ensures they soften perfectly without pre-soaking.
Can I make this split pea soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply omit the ham bone and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a delicious vegetarian split pea soup.
What if my soup is too thick or too thin?
If your soup is too thick, add more broth or water until it reaches your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, remove the lid for the last hour of cooking to allow some liquid to evaporate.
Can I use pre-cooked ham instead of a ham bone?
Yes, you can. Add 2 cups of diced pre-cooked ham during the last hour of cooking, as it only needs to heat through.
How long does homemade split pea soup last?
Homemade split pea soup lasts for 3-4 days in the refrigerator in an airtight container, and up to 3 months in the freezer.
Conclusion
This split pea soup crockpot recipe truly delivers on flavor, convenience, and comfort. With minimal effort, you’ve created a deeply satisfying meal that’s both nourishing and incredibly tasty. The slow cooker takes the stress out of cooking, letting you enjoy a hearty, homemade classic without spending hours in the kitchen. Give this recipe a try and savor the warmth and goodness in every spoonful. It’s the perfect way to bring comforting flavors to your table.
