Hearty Lower-Fat Split Pea Soup
This delicious and nutritious Hearty Lower-Fat Split Pea Soup elegantly combines the earthy flavors of split peas with tender ham and fresh vegetables, all simmered to perfection in your crock pot. This lower-fat version is ideal for those looking to enjoy a comforting bowl of soup without the extra calories. Customize the heat levels by adjusting the chili flakes, and choose between using all chicken broth or water to suit your taste. For an ultra-light finish, optional hot milk can be stirred in at the end for creaminess — fat-free milk can keep the fat content extremely low. This recipe makes a generous batch, perfect for meal prep or cozy family dinners.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Dried Split Peas
16 ounces (Rinsed and picked over)
Fully-Cooked Cubed Ham
2 cups (Cut into bite-sized pieces)
Carrot
1 large (Peeled and diced)
Onion
1 large (Chopped)
Fresh Minced Garlic
1 tablespoon (Minced)
Bay Leaves
2 (Whole)
Seasoning Salt
1/2 teaspoon (To taste)
Fresh Ground Black Pepper
1/4-1/2 teaspoon (To taste)
Worcestershire Sauce
1 teaspoon (Liquid)
Chicken Broth
4 cups (Very hot)
Boiling Water
2 cups (Boiling)
Hot Milk
1/3-1/2 cup (Optional, to be added at the end)
Instructions
1
Begin by thoroughly checking the dried split peas for any discolored ones and discard them. Rinse the split peas under cold water using a colander and then spread them evenly across the bottom of your crock pot.
2
Next, layer the ingredients over the split peas in the following order: add the cubed ham, diced carrot, chopped onion, minced garlic, bay leaves, seasoning salt, black pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and finally pour in the very hot chicken broth followed by the boiling water. Do not stir the mixture; this layering ensures optimal flavor absorption as it cooks.
3
Cover the crock pot and set it to the HIGH cooking setting. Let the soup cook for approximately 4 to 5 hours, or until the vegetables are tender and the split peas have softened.
4
Once cooking is complete, if desired, stir in the hot milk for added creaminess and flavor. Be sure to remove the bay leaves before serving to enjoy your flavorful, hearty soup.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Lower-Fat Split Pea Soup?
It is a nutritious soup that combines the earthy flavors of split peas with tender ham and fresh vegetables, simmered in a crock pot.
How many calories or fat grams does this soup contain?
While specific nutritional values aren't provided, it is designed as a lower-fat version of traditional split pea soup using lean ingredients.
What are the primary ingredients?
The main ingredients include dried split peas, fully-cooked cubed ham, carrots, onion, garlic, chicken broth, and boiling water.
How long does it take to cook in a crock pot?
The soup should be cooked on the HIGH setting for approximately 4 to 5 hours.
Do I need to soak the split peas before cooking?
No soaking is required, but you should rinse them and pick out any discolored peas before adding them to the crock pot.
Should I stir the ingredients after adding them to the crock pot?
No, you should layer the ingredients in the specified order and avoid stirring to ensure optimal flavor absorption.
Can I make this soup creamier?
Yes, you can stir in 1/3 to 1/2 cup of hot milk at the end of the cooking process for added creaminess.
How can I keep the fat content as low as possible?
To keep the fat content low, use fat-free milk for the optional creamy finish and ensure the ham is a lean, fully-cooked variety.
What kind of ham should I use?
The recipe calls for two cups of fully-cooked cubed ham cut into bite-sized pieces.
Can I substitute the chicken broth?
Yes, you can use all water instead of chicken broth if you prefer, according to the recipe description.
How much garlic is used in the recipe?
The recipe requires one tablespoon of fresh minced garlic.
What seasonings are included in the soup?
The soup is seasoned with bay leaves, seasoning salt, black pepper, and Worcestershire sauce.
How many bay leaves should I add?
The recipe uses two whole bay leaves.
When do I remove the bay leaves?
You should remove the bay leaves after cooking is complete and before serving the soup.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it makes a generous batch and is described as being perfect for meal prep or family dinners.
What size should the carrot and onion be?
The recipe calls for one large carrot (diced) and one large onion (chopped).
Can I adjust the spiciness of the soup?
Yes, you can customize the heat levels by adjusting the amount of chili flakes added.
What is the first step in preparing the split peas?
The first step is to check for discolored peas, discard them, and rinse the rest under cold water using a colander.
How much liquid total is added to the crock pot?
The recipe uses 4 cups of very hot chicken broth and 2 cups of boiling water.
What is the purpose of using boiling water and hot broth?
Using very hot liquids helps the crock pot reach the cooking temperature more quickly.
How many dried split peas are needed?
You will need 16 ounces of dried split peas.
Is Worcestershire sauce necessary?
The recipe uses one teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce to add depth of flavor.
What is the texture of the vegetables after cooking?
The vegetables should be tender after 4 to 5 hours of cooking on high.
Does the recipe use seasoning salt or regular salt?
It specifies 1/2 teaspoon of seasoning salt, which can be adjusted to taste.
What kind of black pepper is recommended?
The recipe suggests 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of fresh ground black pepper.
Can I use a low-fat milk alternative?
Yes, fat-free milk is specifically mentioned as a way to maintain a low fat content.
What cooking setting is used for the entire duration?
The recipe uses the HIGH setting on the crock pot for the full 4-5 hours.
Is the ham raw or pre-cooked?
The recipe requires fully-cooked cubed ham.
What is the layering order in the crock pot?
Peas go on the bottom, followed by ham, carrots, onion, garlic, bay leaves, seasonings, broth, and then water.
What type of meal is this best served as?
It is ideal as a comforting main course for a cozy family dinner.