Hearty Split Pea and Ham Chowder
Warm up with this comforting Hearty Split Pea and Ham Chowder, a delightful blend of split peas, diced ham, and a medley of vegetables simmered to perfection. This chowder is a great way to use leftover ham while providing a nutritious meal packed with protein and fiber. Perfect for chilly days, this dish can be prepared in a slow cooker, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully while you go about your day. Serve it with crusty bread for a fulfilling meal that your family will love.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
potato
1 medium (cut into small cubes)
diced cooked ham
2 cups (ready to use)
split peas
16 ounces (rinsed)
whole kernel corn
11 ounces (mixed with chopped peppers (red and green))
chicken broth
14 ounces (canned)
carrots
2 (sliced)
celery ribs
2 (diagonally sliced)
dried onion flakes
1 tablespoon (ready to use)
dried marjoram
1 teaspoon (ready to use)
seasoning salt
1 teaspoon (ready to use)
Instructions
1
Start by cutting the potato into small cubes and place them in a slow cooker that has been sprayed with vegetable cooking spray.
2
Next, add the diced cooked ham, rinsed split peas, whole kernel corn (with peppers), sliced carrots, diagonally sliced celery, dried onion flakes, dried marjoram, seasoning salt, and 3 cups of water into the slow cooker.
3
Stir the mixture gently to combine the ingredients thoroughly.
4
Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, or until the split peas are tender and the chowder has thickened to your desired consistency.
5
Once cooked, give it a good stir, taste, and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Serve hot.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Split Pea and Ham Chowder?
It is a comforting and nutritious blend of split peas, diced cooked ham, and a medley of vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and celery.
How long does this chowder take to cook in a slow cooker?
The chowder should be cooked on the low setting for 6 to 8 hours until the split peas are tender.
Do I need to soak the split peas before cooking?
No, you only need to rinse the 16 ounces of split peas before adding them to the slow cooker.
Can I use leftover ham for this recipe?
Yes, using 2 cups of diced leftover cooked ham is an excellent way to prepare this meal.
What vegetables are included in the Hearty Split Pea and Ham Chowder?
The recipe includes a medium potato, whole kernel corn with peppers, carrots, and celery ribs.
Is this recipe a good source of fiber?
Yes, the combination of split peas and various vegetables makes this chowder high in both protein and fiber.
Can I make a vegetarian version of this chowder?
Yes, you can omit the ham and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to make it vegetarian.
How should I prepare the potato?
The medium potato should be cut into small cubes before being added to the slow cooker.
What type of corn is recommended?
Use 11 ounces of whole kernel corn that is mixed with chopped red and green peppers.
How should the carrots and celery be sliced?
The carrots should be sliced into rounds and the celery ribs should be diagonally sliced.
What seasonings are used in this recipe?
The chowder is seasoned with dried onion flakes, dried marjoram, and seasoning salt.
How much liquid is needed for the recipe?
The recipe calls for 14 ounces of chicken broth and 3 cups of water.
Why should I spray the slow cooker with vegetable spray?
Spraying the slow cooker helps prevent the ingredients from sticking to the sides during the long cooking process.
Can I use fresh onions instead of dried onion flakes?
Yes, you can substitute 1 tablespoon of dried onion flakes with about one-third of a cup of chopped fresh onion.
What should I do if the chowder is too thick?
If the consistency is too thick after cooking, you can stir in a small amount of extra water or broth.
Can I cook this chowder on high instead of low?
While low is recommended for 6-8 hours, you can cook it on high for about 3-4 hours, though the peas may not be as tender.
How do I know when the chowder is finished cooking?
The dish is ready when the split peas are soft and the liquid has thickened to a chowder-like consistency.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it is an excellent meal prep option as the flavors often deepen after sitting in the refrigerator.
Can I freeze the leftover chowder?
Yes, this chowder freezes well in airtight containers for up to three months.
What are the best side dishes for this chowder?
It is delicious when served with crusty bread, dinner rolls, or a light side salad.
What can I use if I do not have marjoram?
Dried oregano or thyme can be used as a substitute for dried marjoram in this recipe.
Does this recipe contain any peppers?
Yes, it uses whole kernel corn that is mixed with chopped red and green peppers for added flavor.
How much seasoning salt is required?
The recipe requires 1 teaspoon of seasoning salt, but you can adjust this to taste at the end of cooking.
Can I add extra meat to this chowder?
Yes, you can increase the amount of ham or add smoked sausage if you prefer a meatier chowder.
Is it necessary to peel the potato?
Peeling is optional, but for a smoother chowder texture, it is recommended to peel the potato before cubing.
How many carrots are used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 sliced carrots.
Can I make this on a stovetop?
Yes, you can simmer the ingredients in a large pot on low heat for about 1 to 1.5 hours until the peas are tender.
What type of peas should I buy?
Look for dry green split peas, typically found in 16-ounce packages in the dry bean aisle.
Should I stir the chowder during cooking?
It is best to leave the lid on while slow cooking, but you can give it one gentle stir halfway through if you are available.
How should I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.