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 soup to nourish the soul. And if you’re looking for a soup that’s both incredibly flavorful and unbelievably easy to make, look no further than our Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup! This recipe is a true set-it-and-forget-it meal, perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekend afternoons.
This isn’t your grandma’s split pea soup (though grandma’s is good too!). We’ve added a secret ingredient – Simply Potatoes Shredded Hash Browns – to create a wonderfully creamy texture without needing to add any cream! It thickens the soup beautifully and adds a subtle, comforting flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Effortless: Seriously, dump the ingredients in the slow cooker and let it do the work!
- Flavorful: The combination of savory ham, aromatic vegetables, and a hint of bay leaf creates a truly satisfying soup.
- Creamy & Delicious: The hash browns create a naturally creamy texture without any added dairy.
- Budget-Friendly: Split peas and ham are relatively inexpensive ingredients, making this a great option for feeding a family.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch on the weekend and enjoy leftovers throughout the week.
Tips for the Best Split Pea Soup:
- Rinse the Split Peas: Rinsing the split peas before adding them to the slow cooker helps remove any debris and ensures a cleaner-tasting soup.
- Ham Options: You can use leftover ham, a ham hock, or pre-diced ham. Adjust the amount based on your preference.
- Spice it Up: Feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a little extra heat.
- Herb Power: Fresh parsley or thyme makes a lovely garnish.
What to Serve with Split Pea Soup:
This soup is hearty enough to stand on its own, but it also pairs well with:
- Crusty bread for dipping
- A simple side salad
- Grilled cheese sandwiches
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use dried split peas or do I need to soak them?
A: You can use dried split peas directly – no soaking required! The slow cooker will rehydrate them perfectly.
Q: Can I make this soup vegetarian or vegan?
A: Yes! Omit the ham and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You may want to add a teaspoon of smoked paprika to mimic the smoky flavor of ham.
Q: Can I freeze leftover split pea soup?
A: Absolutely! Let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers. It will keep for up to 3 months.
Q: What kind of ham is best for this soup?
A: Smoked ham works particularly well, as it adds a lovely smoky flavor to the soup. But any type of ham will do!
Q: Can I use an immersion blender to make the soup smoother?
A: Yes, you can! If you prefer a smoother texture, use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup after it’s cooked. Be careful not to over-blend, as you still want some texture.
Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup
Ingredients
- 1 cup carrots, diced
- 1 cup onion, diced
- 2 cups diced ham
- 2 cups Simply Potatoes Shredded Hash Browns
- 1 bay leaf bay leaf
- 32 oz low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 cups water
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp pepper
Instructions
- Place the carrot, onion and garlic into a food processor. Pulse until well diced. You can also dice the carrot, onion and garlic by hand but I prefer to let the food processor do all the heavy lifting.
- In a 4- or 5-qt. slow cooker, combine all ingredients. Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, until peas are tender. Taste and add additional salt and pepper as needed. Remove bay leaf and serve.
Share this:
Discover more from Resoupies
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
