What is comforting about soup on a cold day? What’s a good tomato soup with Grilled Cheese? Is it like a creamy, smoky bowl of cheese?Crock-Pot Split Pea SoupIs it the kind of meal that just warms you from the inside out, reminding me of my grandma’s kitchen? What is the aroma of simmering goodness? What is this recipe? Is it safe to put everything in the slow cooker and walk away? Unadulterated comfort
What is a split pea soup?
Crock-Pot Split Pea Soup is, essentially, the easiest, most hands-off way to make a classic split pea soup. Think of it as your grandmother’s recipe, modernized for the busy cook. It involves dried split peas (either green or yellow work!), some vegetables like carrots, celery, and onions for flavor, broth (I usually use chicken or vegetable), and often a smoked ham hock or bacon for that irresistibly smoky depth. It’s all thrown into a Slow Cooker, set, and forgotten until you’re ready to eat. The long, slow cooking time breaks down the peas, creating a naturally creamy texture without any added cream. It’s the perfect “set it and forget it” meal for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.
Why you will love this recipe?
Where do I start?Crock-Pot Split Pea Soup is a winner for so many reasons. First and foremost, the flavor is incredible. The smoky ham hock (or bacon, if you prefer!) infuses the entire soup with a deep, savory richness that’s just divine. The vegetables add a subtle sweetness and earthiness, while the split peas themselves create a lovely, slightly sweet and nutty base. It’s a flavor explosion in every spoonful! What I love most about this recipe, though, is its simplicity. Seriously, it’s almost embarrassingly easy. Chop a few veggies, toss everything into the Slow Cooker, and walk away. No babysitting, no stirring, no fuss! And let’s be honest, who doesn’t appreciate a recipe that’s both delicious and effortless?
Another huge selling point? It’s incredibly cost-effective. Split peas are super cheap, and you can often find ham hocks on sale. Plus, a single batch makes a ton of soup, perfect for feeding a large family or having leftovers for days. Which, by the way, this soup tastes even *better* the next day. Plus, it’s surprisingly versatile. You can easily adapt it to your liking – add different vegetables, swap out the ham hock for sausage, or even make it vegetarian by omitting the meat altogether. If you’re looking for a similar hands-off recipe, my Slow Cooker Lentil Soup is another family favorite. But trust me, this split pea soup is a game-changer.
How do you make a crockpot split pea soup?
Quick Overview
Making this Crock-Pot Split Pea Soup is truly as simple as it gets. You’ll chop some basic vegetables, rinse the split peas, and then toss everything – peas, veggies, broth, and ham hock – into your Slow Cooker. Then, you’ll cook it on low for about 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, until the peas are tender and the soup is creamy. Remove the ham hock (shred the meat and add it back in if you like!), give it a good stir, and you’re ready to serve. The beauty of this method is that the slow cooker does all the work, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully and creating a perfectly creamy texture without any effort on your part.
Ingredients
For the Soup:
Dried Split Peas: 1 pound. I usually go for green, but yellow split peas work great too. Make sure to rinse them well before adding them to the Crock-Pot! I skip soaking them – the Slow Cooker does all the work of softening them up.
Vegetable BrothIs chicken broth good for vegetarians? I’ve even used bone broth for extra nutrients!
Onion: 1 large, chopped. Yellow or white onions both work beautifully.
Carrots: 2 medium, chopped. Adds a touch of sweetness and a lovely color.
Celery: 2 stalks, chopped. Don’t skip the celery! It adds a subtle savory note that really rounds out the flavor.
What is Ham Hock or Smoked Bacon?1 ham hock or 4-6 slices of bacon. What are some good substitutes for bacon? If using bacon, I like to cook it slightly before adding it to the Slow Cooker.
Garlic:What’s better with garlic?
Dried Thyme:Adds a lovely earthy aroma. 1 teaspoon.
Bay Leaf:1. Don’t forget the bay leaf! Is there any depth of flavor that you can’t get out of it? Remember to remove it before serving.
Salt and pepper: What are the differencesTo taste. Season generously! If you use low-sodium broth, you might need more salt than you think.
What are the steps to
Step 1: Prep the Ingredients
First, rinse the split peas thoroughly under cold water. This helps to remove any debris and ensures they cook evenly. Chop the onion, carrots, and celery into roughly equal-sized pieces. Mince the garlic. This step takes maybe 10 minutes, tops!
Step 2: Combine Ingredients in the Crock-Pot
Add the rinsed split peas, chopped onion, carrot, celery, minced garlic, dried thyme, bay leaf, and salt. Stir well. Serve immediately. How do you cook ham hock in a Slow Cooker? How do I make sure all the ingredients are submerged in the vegetable broth? I always give it a good stir at this point to make sure everything is evenly distributed.
Step 3: Cook Low and Slow
Cover the Slow Cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The cooking time will vary depending on your slow cooker, so check the peas after 6 hours on low or 3 hours on high. You’ll know it’s ready when the peas are very tender and the soup has thickened to a creamy consistency. This is the hardest part – just waiting!
Step 4: Shred Ham (Optional)
Once the soup is cooked, remove the ham hock from the Slow Cooker. Let it cool slightly, then shred the meat from the bone. Discard the bone and any excess fat. If you used bacon, you can chop it up into smaller pieces. I usually add the shredded ham back into the soup for extra flavor and texture, but you can also serve it on the side.
Step 5: Season and Serve
Give the soup a good stir. Season with salt and pepper to taste. What is the best seasoning for a dish? How do you remove the bay leaf from soup? Add a little fresh parsley or sour cream to your meal.
What to Serve It With
This Crock-Pot Split Pea Soup is fantastic on its own, but it’s even better with some tasty accompaniments. I love serving it with crusty bread for dipping – a sourdough or baguette is perfect for soaking up all that delicious broth. A simple side salad with a vinaigrette dressing adds a refreshing contrast to the rich, savory soup. And if you’re feeling extra indulgent, a grilled cheese sandwich is always a welcome addition.
For a Light Lunch: Why is it so goodServe with a green salad with lemon vinaigrette. The acidity of vinaigrette cuts through the richness of the soup perfectly.
What is a hearty dinner?What are some good side dishes to serve with crusty bread, a grilled cheese sandwich, or roasted vegetables? What are some good ways to serve soup with whole grain bread?
For a Cozy Night In:What’s a good book to read with teddy bears? What is the perfect comfort food for a chilly evening?
We often serve this with some grilled cheese sandwiches – perfect for dunking!
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Crock-Pot Split Pea Soup
Want to take your Crock-Pot Split Pea Soup to the next level? Here are some of my top tips, learned from years of making this recipe:
Don’t Skip the Rinse: Rinsing the split peas before cooking is crucial for removing any debris and ensuring they cook evenly. I know it seems like a small step, but it makes a big difference in the final texture of the soup.
Use Quality Broth: The broth is the base of the soup, so use the best quality you can find. Homemade broth is always ideal, but store-bought broth works too. Just be sure to choose a low-sodium option so you can control the saltiness of the soup.
Don’t Overcook: While the slow cooker is pretty forgiving, you don’t want to overcook the soup. Overcooked split peas can become mushy and lose their texture. Check the soup after 6 hours on low or 3 hours on high, and adjust the cooking time as needed.
Add Acid: A splash of lemon juice or apple cider vinegar at the end brightens up the flavors and adds a nice touch of acidity. Trust me, it makes a world of difference!
Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables to the soup, such as potatoes, parsnips, or even spinach. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Spice it Up: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the soup. Or, use smoked paprika for an extra layer of smoky flavor.
I’ve also learned that a stick blender is your best friend here. If you want an ultra-creamy soup, just blend it right in the slow cooker (carefully!) before serving. But honestly, I usually like it a little chunky, so I skip this step.
Storing and Reheating Tips
This Crock-Pot Split Pea Soup is perfect for making ahead of time, and it stores beautifully. Here’s how to store and reheat it properly:
Refrigerator Storage: Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors will actually meld together even more as it sits, making it even more delicious the next day!
Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, freeze the soup in individual portions in freezer-safe containers or bags. It will keep in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Be sure to leave some headspace in the containers to allow for expansion.
Reheating: To reheat the soup, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight (if frozen). Then, heat it in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave. If the soup is too thick, add a little broth or water to thin it out.
Glaze Timing Advice: This soup doesn’t have a glaze, thankfully! Store it properly and you will be good to go!
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
This Crock-Pot Split Pea Soup is more than just a recipe; it’s a hug in a bowl. It’s the kind of meal that brings people together, warms the soul, and makes even the chilliest days feel a little bit brighter. I hope you’ll give it a try and experience the comforting magic for yourself! And if you love easy, hands-off meals, be sure to check out my other slow cooker recipes. They’re all designed to make your life a little bit easier and a whole lot tastier.
Happy cooking! I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out. Drop a comment below and let me know your favorite variations and serving suggestions!
Crock-Pot Split Pea Soup
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups dried split peas rinsed and sorted
- 1 cup chopped carrots
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 6 cups chicken broth low sodium
- 1 teaspoon salt to taste
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
- 1 teaspoon thyme dried
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- In a Crock-Pot, combine split peas, carrots, celery, onion, and chicken broth.
- Add salt, pepper, and thyme; stir to combine.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours until peas are tender.
