Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup

Cozy Up with Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup: The Perfect Comfort Food

When the weather turns chilly, there’s nothing quite like a warm, hearty bowl of soup. And if you’re looking for a recipe that’s both delicious and incredibly easy, look no further than our Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup! This isn’t just any split pea soup; it’s a flavor-packed, set-it-and-forget-it meal that will fill your kitchen with comforting aromas and leave you feeling satisfied.

This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights. Simply toss all the ingredients into your slow cooker in the morning, and come home to a ready-to-eat dinner. It’s a fantastic way to utilize leftover ham (or a ham steak works beautifully!), transforming it into a completely new and satisfying meal. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, creating a rich and creamy texture without any extra effort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• Effortless: Seriously, it’s dump-and-go! Minimal prep work required.
• Flavorful: The combination of split peas, ham, and aromatic vegetables creates a deeply satisfying flavor.
• Comforting: This soup is the epitome of comfort food – perfect for a cold day or when you’re feeling under the weather.
• Budget-Friendly: Split peas are an inexpensive ingredient, making this a great option for feeding a family.
• Versatile: You can easily customize this recipe to your liking (see tips below!).

Tips & Variations:

• Smoked Ham: Using smoked ham will add an extra layer of flavor to the soup.
• Vegetarian/Vegan: Omit the ham and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a delicious vegetarian or vegan version.
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a little heat.
• Add More Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like potatoes, carrots, or parsnips.
• Creamy Texture: For an extra creamy soup, you can use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup at the end of cooking.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve this Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup with a side of crusty bread for dipping, or a simple green salad for a complete and satisfying meal. It’s also great for meal prepping – leftovers taste even better the next day!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use dried green split peas instead of yellow?
A: Yes, you can! The cooking time may vary slightly, so check for tenderness after 6-7 hours.

Q: Can I make this in an Instant Pot?
A: Yes! Reduce the cooking time to about 30-40 minutes on high pressure, followed by a natural pressure release.

Q: Can I freeze leftover soup?
A: Absolutely! Let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to airtight containers and freeze for up to 3 months.

Q: What kind of ham is best?
A: Any kind of ham will work, but a smoked or honey-glazed ham will add extra flavor. Leftover holiday ham is perfect!

Q: Is this soup gluten-free?
A: Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free.