Hearty Danish Split Pea Soup (Crock Pot Style)
Warm up with this comforting and hearty Danish split pea soup, adapted for the convenience of a crock pot. Originating from a beloved California tradition, this soup features a melange of tender split peas, vibrant vegetables, and aromatic herbs, all simmered to perfection. Perfect for chilly evenings, this wholesome dish can be enhanced with the addition of smoky bacon, savory ham, or flavorful ham hocks, elevating the taste even further. Ideal for meal prep, this soup is not only delicious but also nutritious, making it a favorite for families and gatherings alike.
8
Servings
100
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
water
6 cups (none)
split peas
2 cups (rinsed and picked over)
celery
1 stalk (coarsely chopped)
carrot
1 large (chopped)
onion
1 medium (chopped)
thyme
1/4 teaspoon (dried)
red pepper
1 dash (none)
bay leaf
1 (whole)
salt
to taste (none)
pepper
to taste (none)
Instructions
1
In a large crock pot, combine the water, split peas, coarsely chopped celery, diced carrot, and chopped onion.
2
Stir in the thyme, red pepper, and bay leaf for added flavor.
3
Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting as desired.
4
Cover and cook on low heat for about 6 to 8 hours, or until the split peas and vegetables are tender.
5
Once cooked, you can either press the soup through a fine sieve for a smoother consistency or use an immersion blender directly in the crock pot until desired smoothness is achieved.
6
Reheat the soup gently until it reaches a boiling point before serving.
Nutrition Information
5g
Protein
12.5mg
Sodium
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Danish Split Pea Soup?
Hearty Danish Split Pea Soup is a comforting and nutritious soup featuring tender split peas, vibrant vegetables, and aromatic herbs, adapted for a crock pot.
Can I make this split pea soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, this recipe is specifically designed for a crock pot or slow cooker for maximum convenience.
How long does it take to cook the soup on low?
The soup should be covered and cooked on low heat for approximately 6 to 8 hours.
What are the main vegetables in this recipe?
The primary vegetables used are celery, carrots, and onions.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 8 servings.
Is this Danish split pea soup vegetarian?
The base recipe is vegetarian, but it can be enhanced with meat like bacon or ham if desired.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 100 calories.
How much protein is in each serving?
There are 5 grams of protein per serving.
Can I add meat to this recipe?
Yes, you can elevate the flavor by adding smoky bacon, savory ham, or flavorful ham hocks.
Do I need to soak the split peas before cooking?
The recipe suggests the split peas should be rinsed and picked over before being added to the crock pot.
How do I achieve a smooth consistency?
You can either press the soup through a fine sieve or use an immersion blender directly in the crock pot once cooked.
What herbs are used for seasoning?
The soup is flavored with dried thyme, a bay leaf, and red pepper.
How much water is required for the soup?
The recipe calls for 6 cups of water.
What is the sodium content per serving?
The sodium content is approximately 12.5mg per serving.
Is this soup good for meal prep?
Yes, it is considered an ideal dish for meal prep and is great for families and gatherings.
How should I reheat the soup?
Reheat the soup gently until it reaches a boiling point before serving.
What size onion should I use?
The recipe recommends using one medium onion, chopped.
How much split peas are needed?
You will need 2 cups of split peas.
What is the origin of this recipe?
This version is adapted from a beloved California tradition.
Should I use fresh or dried thyme?
The recipe specifies 1/4 teaspoon of dried thyme.
Do I need to peel the carrots?
The instructions suggest using one large carrot, chopped, though peeling is a matter of personal preference.
What type of red pepper should be used?
A dash of red pepper is used to add flavor; this is typically crushed red pepper flakes or ground red pepper.
Can I use a blender if I don't have an immersion blender?
While an immersion blender is convenient, you can also press the soup through a fine sieve for a smooth texture.
When should I add salt and pepper?
Salt and pepper should be added to the crock pot along with the other ingredients before cooking.
How should the celery be prepared?
Use one stalk of celery, coarsely chopped.
Is there any fat or cholesterol in this soup?
The basic recipe lists null for fat and cholesterol, making it a very low-fat option unless meat is added.
Should I remove the bay leaf?
The instructions imply the bay leaf should be removed or strained out during the smoothing process before serving.
What is the best way to serve this soup?
Serve it hot, ideally after reheating it to a boil to ensure it is warmed through.
Is this soup considered 'comfort food'?
Yes, it is tagged as comfort food and is perfect for chilly evenings.
What size crock pot is recommended?
A large crock pot is recommended to accommodate the 6 cups of water and other ingredients.