Hearty Dairy-Free Split Pea Soup in the Slow Cooker
This hearty split pea soup is the ultimate comfort food! With minimal prep required, simply layer the ingredients in your slow cooker, set it, and let the flavors meld together throughout the day. Packed with protein from the split peas and your choice of savory ham, this dish promises to warm you from the inside out. This versatile recipe can be tailored to your dietary preferences: go for a vegan version by omitting the meat, or try different broth variations for unique flavors. Perfect as a main dish or a side, this soup is even better the next day and freezes well for future meals. Enjoy it with crusty bread, and savor the delightful simplicity of homemade soup!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
dried split peas
1 (16 ounce package, rinsed)
diced ham
2 (cups)
carrots
3 (peeled and sliced)
medium onion
1 (chopped)
stalks celery
2 (plus leaves, chopped)
garlic cloves
2 (minced)
bay leaf
1 (whole)
seasoning salt
1/2 (teaspoon)
fresh pepper
1/2 (teaspoon)
hot water or broth
1.5 (quarts)
Instructions
1
Rinse the dried split peas under cold water and drain them thoroughly.
2
In your crock pot, layer the split peas at the bottom, followed by the diced ham.
3
Add the sliced carrots, chopped onion, chopped celery (including leaves), and minced garlic on top.
4
Sprinkle the bay leaf, seasoning salt, and fresh pepper over the layered vegetables and meat.
5
Pour in the hot water or broth, making sure not to stir the ingredients after adding the liquid.
6
Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 4-5 hours or on low for 8-10 hours, until the peas are tender.
7
Once cooked, remove the bay leaf and stir the soup to combine.
8
If the soup is too thick, adjust the consistency by adding more water or broth as desired.
9
Serve hot with crusty bread or rolls, and enjoy your deliciously comforting soup!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Dairy-Free Split Pea Soup?
It is a comforting and easy-to-make soup prepared by layering split peas, vegetables, and optional ham in a slow cooker.
Is this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally dairy-free.
How long does it take to cook on high?
The soup takes 4 to 5 hours to cook on the high setting of a slow cooker.
How long does it take to cook on low?
The soup takes 8 to 10 hours to cook on the low setting of a slow cooker.
Can this recipe be made vegan?
Yes, you can make a vegan version by omitting the diced ham and using vegetable broth.
Do I need to soak the split peas before cooking?
No, you only need to rinse the dried split peas under cold water and drain them thoroughly before adding them to the crock pot.
Should I stir the ingredients after adding the liquid?
No, you should not stir the ingredients after adding the water or broth; simply layer them and let the slow cooker do the work.
How do I layer the ingredients in the slow cooker?
Start with the split peas at the bottom, followed by the diced ham, then the carrots, onion, celery, and minced garlic.
What seasonings are used in this soup?
The recipe uses a bay leaf, seasoning salt, and fresh pepper.
Can I use broth instead of water?
Yes, you can use either hot water or broth depending on your flavor preference.
How much liquid is needed for this recipe?
The recipe requires 1.5 quarts of hot water or broth.
Which vegetables are included in the recipe?
The soup contains sliced carrots, chopped onion, and chopped celery including the leaves.
How much garlic is required?
The recipe calls for 2 minced garlic cloves.
How many carrots should I use?
Use 3 carrots that have been peeled and sliced.
Do I include the celery leaves?
Yes, the recipe suggests using 2 stalks of celery plus the leaves, all chopped.
How much ham is in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of diced ham.
Is this soup freezer-friendly?
Yes, this soup freezes well for future meals.
Does the flavor change the next day?
Yes, the soup is often even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld.
What should I serve with the soup?
It is delicious served hot with crusty bread or rolls.
What should I do if the soup is too thick?
You can adjust the consistency by adding more water or broth after the cooking process is complete.
Is this a good meal prep recipe?
Yes, it requires minimal prep and makes for great leftovers, making it ideal for meal prep.
What size package of split peas is used?
The recipe uses one 16-ounce package of dried split peas.
How much seasoning salt is needed?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of seasoning salt.
How much fresh pepper is needed?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of fresh pepper.
Can this be served as a main dish?
Yes, it is hearty enough to be a main dish or can be served as a side.
When do I remove the bay leaf?
Remove the bay leaf once the cooking is finished and before you stir the soup.
Is this recipe easy for beginners?
Yes, it is described as an easy recipe with minimal prep required.
Is this considered comfort food?
Absolutely, it is described as the ultimate comfort food that warms you from the inside out.
Can I experiment with broth flavors?
Yes, you can try different broth variations to create unique flavors for the soup.
What is the final step before serving?
The final steps are to remove the bay leaf, stir to combine, and adjust the thickness if necessary.