Hearty Slow Cooker Split Pea and Ham Soup
This Hearty Slow Cooker Split Pea and Ham Soup is a comforting and delicious dish perfect for chilly days. Packed with protein from the ham and fiber from the split peas, this thick and hearty soup is not only nutritious but also incredibly filling. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a rich, savory broth that pairs perfectly with a slice of crusty bread. Plus, it freezes exceptionally well, making it ideal for meal prep—feel free to double the batch and enjoy it on busy weeknights. Note: If you accidentally overcook, the soup will become even thicker and may turn a unique olive drab color, but rest assured it will still taste fantastic!
8
Servings
275
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
Dried split peas
16 ounces (rinsed)
Ham bone
1 (meaty (or 2 ham hocks))
Carrot
1 cup (diced)
Onion
1/2 cup (chopped)
Celery
1 cup (chopped)
Garlic
2 cloves (minced)
Bay leaf
1 (whole)
Parsley flakes
2 teaspoons
Dried marjoram
1/4 teaspoon (crushed)
Dried thyme
1/4 teaspoon (crushed)
Salt
1 tablespoon (to taste (reduce if using broth))
Pepper
1/2 teaspoon
Hot water
1.5 quarts
Instructions
1
In a slow cooker, layer the ingredients in the order listed, starting with the split peas and ending with the spices.
2
Once all ingredients are layered, carefully pour the hot water over them—all ingredients should be submerged, but do not stir.
3
Cover the slow cooker with its lid, and cook on low for 8 to 10 hours, or until the split peas are very soft and the ham is falling off the bone.
4
Once cooked, remove the ham bone (or hocks) and the bay leaf from the soup. If using a ham bone, shred any remaining meat and return it to the soup.
5
Stir well and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot with crusty bread or crackers.
Nutrition Information
5g
Fat
31.25g
Carbs
17.5g
Protein
8.75g
Fiber
375mg
Sodium
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
How many servings does this split pea and ham soup recipe make?
This recipe makes 8 servings.
How many calories are in one serving?
There are 275 calories per serving.
How much protein is in each serving of the soup?
Each serving contains 17.5g of protein.
Is this soup high in fiber?
Yes, it is high in fiber, providing 8.75g per serving.
What is the total fat content per serving?
The soup contains 5g of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 31.25g of carbohydrates per serving.
What is the sodium content of this recipe?
The soup has 375mg of sodium per serving.
How long does the soup need to cook in the slow cooker?
It should be cooked on low for 8 to 10 hours.
Should I stir the ingredients before starting the slow cooker?
No, you should pour the hot water over the layered ingredients and not stir them.
What order should I layer the ingredients in the slow cooker?
Start with the split peas and end with the spices.
Can I use ham hocks instead of a ham bone?
Yes, you can use one meaty ham bone or two ham hocks.
What happens if I overcook the split pea soup?
If overcooked, the soup will become thicker and may turn a unique olive drab color, but it will still taste fantastic.
Can this soup be frozen?
Yes, this soup freezes exceptionally well, making it ideal for meal prep.
What vegetables are included in this recipe?
The recipe includes carrots, onion, and celery.
How much garlic is required?
The recipe calls for 2 cloves of minced garlic.
What herbs and spices are used to season the soup?
It uses parsley flakes, dried marjoram, dried thyme, a bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
Do I need to soak the split peas before cooking?
The recipe specifies to use 16 ounces of dried split peas, rinsed, but does not require soaking.
What should I do with the ham bone once the soup is finished?
Remove the bone, shred any remaining meat, and return the meat to the soup.
What type of liquid is used for the base?
The recipe uses 1.5 quarts of hot water.
Should I adjust the salt if I use broth instead of water?
Yes, you should reduce the amount of salt if you choose to use broth.
Is there a vegetarian option for this recipe?
Yes, the tags indicate a vegetarian option is possible, likely by omitting the ham.
What should I remove from the soup before serving?
You should remove the ham bone (or hocks) and the bay leaf.
What is a recommended side dish for this soup?
It pairs perfectly with a slice of crusty bread or crackers.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 13 ingredients.
What is the preparation for the carrots?
The carrots should be diced to equal 1 cup.
How much onion is needed for the soup?
The recipe requires 1/2 cup of chopped onion.
What is the preparation for the celery?
The celery should be chopped to equal 1 cup.
Is this soup considered a comfort food?
Yes, it is tagged as a comfort food and described as perfect for chilly days.
When should I stir the soup?
Stir well only after the cooking is complete and the bone/bay leaf have been removed.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains 275 calories.