Hearty Slow-Cooked Split Pea Soup with Ham
Warm up with this hearty slow-cooked split pea soup, packed with flavor and nutrients, perfect for chilly days. Made with tender split peas, savory ham, and a medley of fresh vegetables including carrots, onion, and celery, this comforting soup cooks effortlessly in your crock pot. Simply layer your ingredients, pour in some hot water, and let the slow cooker do the work. The result is a creamy, delicious soup that's not only satisfying but also freezes well for later enjoyment. Serve with crusty bread for a complete meal, and watch your family gather around the table for seconds.
7
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Dried split peas
16 ounces (rinsed and sorted)
Ham
2 cups (diced)
Carrots
3 (peeled and diced)
Onion
1 (diced)
Celery ribs
3 (diced)
Garlic
2 tablespoons (minced)
Bay leaf
1 (whole)
Dried parsley
2 tablespoons (crushed)
Seasoning salt
1 tablespoon (to taste)
Pepper
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
Hot water
1 1/2 quarts (boiled)
Instructions
1
Start by rinsing and checking the dried split peas for any debris or damaged pieces, then set them aside.
2
Dice the ham, carrots, onion, and celery into even pieces to ensure uniform cooking. Mince the garlic.
3
In your crock pot, layer the split peas first, followed by the diced ham, carrots, onion, celery, and minced garlic.
4
Add the bay leaf, dried parsley, seasoning salt, and pepper on top of the layered ingredients.
5
Pour the hot water over all the ingredients in the crock pot, ensuring everything is submerged.
6
Cover the crock pot and cook on high for 4 to 5 hours or on low for 8 to 10 hours, until the peas are tender and the soup is creamy.
7
Once cooking is complete, remove the bay leaf and stir the soup before serving. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper, if desired.
8
This soup freezes well! If reheating, add a little extra water to achieve your desired consistency.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Slow-Cooked Split Pea Soup with Ham?
It is a comforting, nutrient-dense soup made with tender split peas, savory diced ham, and fresh vegetables cooked slowly in a crock pot.
How long does it take to cook this soup on high heat?
In a slow cooker, this soup takes approximately 4 to 5 hours to cook on the high setting.
How long does it take to cook on the low setting?
If you prefer a slower cook, set your crock pot to low for 8 to 10 hours.
Do I need to soak the split peas before cooking?
No, you do not need to soak them, but you should rinse and sort them to remove any debris or damaged peas.
Can I freeze this split pea soup?
Yes, this soup freezes very well and is excellent for later enjoyment or meal prep.
What is the serving size for this recipe?
This recipe makes approximately 7 servings.
What vegetables are used in the base?
The soup uses a classic medley of 3 diced carrots, 1 diced onion, and 3 diced celery ribs.
How much ham is required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of diced ham.
Should I use hot or cold water?
The recipe recommends using 1.5 quarts of hot, boiled water to start the cooking process.
What seasonings are added to the soup?
The flavor is enhanced with a bay leaf, dried parsley, seasoning salt, and pepper.
Do I need to stir the soup while it cooks?
No, the recipe suggests layering the ingredients and letting the slow cooker do the work without constant stirring.
What should I do with the bay leaf after cooking?
The bay leaf should be removed and discarded once the cooking is complete and before serving.
How do I reheat frozen split pea soup?
When reheating, add a little extra water to reach your desired consistency as the soup naturally thickens.
Is there a vegetarian option for this soup?
While the recipe includes ham, you can omit the meat or use a vegetarian ham substitute to keep it vegetarian.
Can I use fresh garlic?
Yes, the recipe specifically calls for 2 tablespoons of minced garlic.
What is the best way to serve this soup?
It is best served warm, ideally with a side of crusty bread for a complete meal.
How much dried parsley is used?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of crushed dried parsley.
What amount of split peas is needed?
You will need 16 ounces of dried split peas.
Is this recipe difficult to make?
No, it is categorized as an 'Easy' recipe because it mainly involves layering ingredients and slow cooking.
How many carrots are in the recipe?
The recipe uses 3 peeled and diced carrots.
How many celery ribs are needed?
You will need 3 diced celery ribs for this recipe.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is rinsing and checking the dried split peas for any debris.
Can I adjust the salt and pepper after cooking?
Yes, once cooking is complete and the bay leaf is removed, stir the soup and adjust the seasoning to your taste.
Does the soup become creamy on its own?
Yes, as the split peas cook down and soften, they naturally create a creamy delicious texture.
What preparation is needed for the onion?
One onion should be diced into even pieces for uniform cooking.
Is this soup good for meal prep?
Absolutely, it is a great meal prep option as it stays well and is freezer-friendly.
What is the total amount of water used?
The recipe calls for exactly 1 and 1/2 quarts of boiled water.
Is this a healthy recipe choice?
Yes, it is tagged as healthy and contains many fresh vegetables and high-fiber peas.
How should the vegetables be cut?
They should be diced into even pieces to ensure everything cooks uniformly.
What if the ingredients aren't submerged in water?
Ensure you pour enough hot water to submerge all the layered ingredients in the crock pot before starting.