Slow Cooker Pea & Ham Soup is a classic, hearty dish that’s both comforting and easy to make. With minimal prep and just a few hours of slow cooking, this soup transforms into a flavorful, rich meal perfect for cold days or any time you want a nourishing, satisfying dish. The combination of dried split peas, tender ham, and vegetables simmering together results in a creamy, velvety texture, without the need for cream. Let’s dive into how you can make this delicious soup using your slow cooker.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound dried split peas, rinsed: Split peas are the star ingredient here, giving the soup its creamy texture and distinct flavor.
- 1 meaty ham bone or 2 cups diced ham: Using a ham bone adds a deep, smoky flavor to the soup. If you don’t have a ham bone, diced ham works great too.
- 1 large onion, chopped: Onion provides a sweet, savory base for the soup.
- 3 carrots, peeled and chopped: Carrots bring a touch of sweetness and color to the dish.
- 3 celery stalks, chopped: Celery adds a subtle flavor and crunch to balance the other ingredients.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic adds a hint of depth and warmth to the overall flavor.
- 1 bay leaf: The bay leaf infuses the soup with a mild herbal aroma.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Thyme adds an earthy, savory note to complement the ham and peas.
- 6 cups chicken broth: Chicken broth provides the liquid base, adding extra flavor. You can also use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Seasoning enhances the flavors of all the ingredients.
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Ingredients:
- Rinse the dried split peas thoroughly in cold water to remove any dirt or impurities.
- Chop the onions, carrots, and celery into bite-sized pieces.
- Mince the garlic cloves.
2. Assemble the Soup in the Slow Cooker:
- Place the rinsed split peas at the bottom of your slow cooker.
- Add the chopped onion, carrots, celery, and minced garlic on top of the peas.
- Nestle the meaty ham bone or diced ham into the vegetables and peas.
- Add the bay leaf and sprinkle the dried thyme evenly over the ingredients.
3. Add the Broth:
- Pour the 6 cups of chicken broth over the ingredients in the slow cooker, making sure everything is submerged. If needed, add a little more broth or water to ensure everything is covered.
4. Slow Cook:
- Set your slow cooker to low heat and cook the soup for 8-10 hours, or on high for 4-6 hours. The longer cooking time on low heat allows the flavors to meld together more deeply.
- Stir the soup occasionally to ensure the peas are breaking down evenly and the ham is distributing its flavor throughout.
5. Final Seasoning and Adjustments:
- After the cooking time, remove the ham bone (if using) and shred any remaining meat, adding it back into the soup.
- Discard the bay leaf.
- Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper as needed. Be cautious with the salt, especially if your ham or broth is already salty.
6. Serve:
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs, like parsley or thyme, if desired.
- Serve with crusty bread or crackers for a complete meal.
Tips for the Perfect Pea & Ham Soup:
- Ham Bone vs. Diced Ham: A ham bone adds a richer, more robust flavor due to the marrow and connective tissue. However, diced ham is a quicker option and still delivers great taste.
- Consistency: If you prefer a creamier texture, you can blend part of the soup using an immersion blender or mash some of the peas with a potato masher. For a chunkier texture, simply stir and serve as is.
- Vegetarian Option: For a meat-free version, omit the ham and use vegetable broth. You can also add smoked paprika to give the soup a smoky flavor without meat.
- Storing and Freezing: This soup stores well in the fridge for up to 5 days. It also freezes beautifully for up to 3 months, making it an excellent meal-prep option.
Variations:
- Add More Vegetables: You can easily bulk up this soup with more vegetables like potatoes, leeks, or parsnips.
- Smoked Ham Hock: For an extra smoky flavor, replace the ham bone with a smoked ham hock.
- Herb Variations: Feel free to swap out thyme with other herbs like rosemary or parsley for different flavor profiles.
- Creamy Twist: For an indulgent variation, stir in 1/2 cup of heavy cream or coconut milk just before serving.
Serving Suggestions:
- Crusty Bread: Serve this soup with a warm slice of crusty sourdough or French bread to soak up the rich broth.
- Grilled Cheese Sandwich: Pair with a gooey grilled cheese for the ultimate comfort meal.
- Salad: A light green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can be the perfect refreshing side dish to balance the richness of the soup.
This Slow Cooker Pea & Ham Soup is the perfect combination of comfort and flavor. It’s hearty enough to be a meal on its own, yet simple enough to prepare with just a few ingredients. The slow cooker does all the hard work for you, leaving you with a warm and nourishing soup that’s perfect for a cozy dinner. Whether you’re looking to use up leftover ham or simply want to make a classic, this recipe will become a go-to in your kitchen. Enjoy!
