Festive Low-Fat Slow Cooker Green Split Pea Soup with Savory Bacon Crumbles
Celebrate St. Patrick's Day with this deliciously hearty and nutritious slow cooker split pea soup! The vibrant green color mirrors the spirit of the holiday, making it perfect for festive gatherings or cozy family dinners. This easy-to-follow recipe combines nutrient-rich split peas with aromatic onions and crunchy carrots, all enhanced by the smoky goodness of 50% leaner bacon crumbles. Not only is it budget-friendly, but it also offers the convenience of preparing a large batch that can be stored for meals throughout the week or even frozen for later enjoyment. With its low-fat profile and satisfying flavors, this soup is sure to become a staple in your kitchen!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Dried split peas
32 ounces (Rinse and inspect for stones)
Bacon (Hormel 50% less fat real crumbles)
4.3 ounces (Ready to use)
White onion
1 small or 1/2 large (Finely chopped)
Carrots
2 cups (Sliced or coarsely chopped)
Water
11 cups (None)
Bay leaves
2 (None)
Salt
3 tablespoons (Optional)
Instructions
1
In a slow cooker, combine 11 cups of water, chopped onions, and sliced carrots. Set to high and cook until the carrots are tender yet firm, about 2.5 to 3 hours.
2
Meanwhile, thoroughly inspect the dried split peas for any stones or debris. Rinse under cold water and add to the slow cooker along with bay leaves and optional salt. Continue cooking on high for an additional 2 hours.
3
After the cooking time is complete, stir in the real crumbled bacon and allow the soup to cook for one more hour, letting the flavors meld beautifully.
4
Once ready, remove the bay leaves, serve the soup hot, and enjoy this delightful dish that brings warmth and richness to your St. Patrick's Day celebrations.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the theme of this green split pea soup?
This soup is designed for St. Patrick's Day celebrations, featuring a vibrant green color that mirrors the spirit of the holiday.
Is this slow cooker recipe low in fat?
Yes, it is a low-fat recipe that utilizes Hormel 50% less fat real bacon crumbles to keep the fat content down.
What are the primary ingredients?
The main ingredients are dried split peas, bacon crumbles, white onion, carrots, water, bay leaves, and optional salt.
How much water is required for this soup?
The recipe calls for 11 cups of water.
How many ounces of dried split peas are needed?
You will need 32 ounces of dried split peas.
Do I need to soak the split peas before cooking?
No soaking is required, but you should rinse them under cold water and inspect for any stones or debris.
What type of bacon is recommended?
The recipe suggests using a 4.3-ounce package of Hormel 50% less fat real bacon crumbles.
How long does the soup cook in total?
The total cooking time is approximately 5.5 to 6 hours on a high setting.
What is the first step in the cooking process?
Combine water, chopped onions, and carrots in the slow cooker and cook on high for 2.5 to 3 hours.
When do I add the split peas?
Add the rinsed split peas and bay leaves after the initial 2.5 to 3 hours of cooking the vegetables.
At what point is the bacon added?
The bacon crumbles should be stirred in for the final hour of cooking.
How many bay leaves are used?
The recipe uses 2 bay leaves.
Is salt necessary for this recipe?
Salt is listed as optional, with a measurement of 3 tablespoons if desired.
Can this soup be frozen?
Yes, this soup can be frozen for later enjoyment or stored for meal prep throughout the week.
Is this recipe budget-friendly?
Yes, it is described as a budget-friendly meal that utilizes nutrient-rich, low-cost ingredients like dried peas.
What is the recommended setting for the slow cooker?
The entire recipe is prepared using the high setting on the slow cooker.
How should the white onion be prepared?
The white onion should be finely chopped.
How many carrots are required?
The recipe requires 2 cups of sliced or coarsely chopped carrots.
Should the bay leaves be removed before serving?
Yes, you should remove the bay leaves once the cooking is complete.
How many ingredients total are in this recipe?
There are 7 ingredients listed in this recipe.
Is this soup suitable for meal prep?
Yes, the recipe is designed to make a large batch perfect for storing and eating during the week.
What flavor does the bacon add to the soup?
The bacon crumbles provide a smoky goodness that enhances the flavor of the peas and vegetables.
What size white onion should I use?
Use one small white onion or a half of a large one.
How should the carrots be sliced?
Carrots can be either sliced or coarsely chopped.
Is this a hearty soup?
Yes, it is described as a deliciously hearty and rich soup.
Can I serve this soup hot?
Yes, the soup should be served hot once the flavors have melded.
Does the recipe use real bacon?
Yes, it specifically calls for real bacon crumbles.
Is this soup considered a comfort food?
Yes, it is tagged as comfort food.
What is the purpose of the first three hours of cooking?
The first three hours are used to ensure the carrots become tender yet firm before adding the peas.
Can I adjust the salt level?
Yes, salt is optional and can be adjusted according to your preference.