Crockpot Split Pea And Ham Soup

My Crockpot Split Pea And Ham Soup is a true game-changer for busy weeknights, delivering incredibly tender peas and savory ham in a rich, comforting broth that tastes like it simmered all day. This recipe is designed to be as effortless as it is delicious, making it perfect for anyone craving a hearty, home-cooked meal without the fuss. I developed this particular Crockpot Split Pea And Ham Soup recipe after countless requests from friends and family who wanted a set-it-and-forget-it option that still packed a flavor punch.

I’ve tested this Crockpot Split Pea And Ham Soup recipe at least a dozen times, tweaking broth ratios and cooking times to ensure the perfect texture every single time. The magic lies in the slow cooker’s ability to break down the split peas and meld the flavors of the ham and vegetables over several hours, creating a naturally thick and satisfying soup. You won’t believe how simple it is to achieve such deep, complex flavors with minimal active cooking time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Convenience: Simply toss all ingredients into your slow cooker and let it do the work. This makes it perfect for busy moms and professionals.
• Incredible Flavor: The slow cooking process allows the ham and vegetables to infuse the split peas with deep, savory notes. Get amazing taste with little effort.
• Hearty and Satisfying: This Crockpot Split Pea And Ham Soup is a complete meal. It’s packed with protein and fiber for a truly filling dish.
• Budget-Friendly: It uses simple, affordable ingredients. This recipe creates a gourmet-tasting soup without breaking the bank.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients for this Crockpot Split Pea And Ham Soup is the most active part of the process, and it’s incredibly straightforward! The beauty of this soup lies in how these humble ingredients come together to create something truly magical. I always recommend rinsing your split peas thoroughly; it’s a small step that makes a big difference in the final texture and cleanliness of your soup. And for the ham, a smoked ham hock is my absolute favorite for its depth of flavor, but good-quality diced cooked ham works beautifully too.

• Dried Green Split Peas: 1 pound, rinsed and picked over. These are the star of the show, providing the soup’s signature texture and earthy flavor. Make sure to rinse them well to remove any dust or small debris.
• Large Onion: 1, chopped. Onion forms the aromatic base of the soup. It adds sweetness and depth. A yellow or white onion works best here.
• Carrots: 2, peeled and diced. Carrots contribute a subtle sweetness and beautiful color. They also hold up well during slow cooking.
• Celery Stalks: 2, diced. Celery adds another layer of aromatic flavor. It offers a slight crunch if you don’t overcook them.
• Chicken Broth or Water: 6-8 cups. This is the liquid base that will cook the peas and meld the flavors. Use low-sodium broth if you’re concerned about saltiness from the ham.
• Smoked Ham Hock or Cooked Ham: 1 smoked ham hock or 1-2 cups cooked ham, diced. The ham hock is my top choice for its rich, smoky flavor. It infuses the entire soup. If using cooked ham, ensure it’s flavorful.
• Garlic: 2 cloves, minced. Garlic adds a pungent kick. It complements the other savory ingredients wonderfully.
• Bay Leaf: 1. This simple herb adds a subtle, complex aroma. It enhances the overall flavor profile. Remember to remove it before serving.
• Dried Thyme: 1 teaspoon. Thyme offers a slightly minty, earthy note. It pairs wonderfully with peas and ham.
• Black Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon. Freshly ground black pepper adds a touch of spice. It brings welcome warmth.
• Salt: To taste (add at the end). Ham can be quite salty. It’s crucial to taste the soup before adding any additional salt.

How to Make Crockpot Split Pea And Ham Soup

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Begin by thoroughly rinsing your dried green split peas under cold running water. Pick through them carefully to remove any small stones or debris. Next, chop your large onion, dice the carrots and celery, and mince the garlic. If you are using a smoked ham hock, ensure it’s clean; if using pre-cooked diced ham, have it ready.

Step 2: Combine Everything in the Slow Cooker

Place the rinsed split peas, chopped onion, diced carrots, diced celery, and minced garlic into your 6-quart or larger slow cooker. Add the smoked ham hock (or diced cooked ham), bay leaf, dried thyme, and black pepper. Pour in 6 to 8 cups of chicken broth or water, making sure all the ingredients are submerged. Give everything a gentle stir to combine.

Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover the slow cooker and cook on the LOW setting for 6 to 8 hours, or on the HIGH setting for 3 to 4 hours. The goal is for the split peas to become very tender and break down, thickening the soup naturally. This slow cooker split pea soup requires minimal attention during this time.

Step 4: Finish and Season

Once the peas are tender, carefully remove the ham hock from the slow cooker. Let it cool slightly, then shred the tender meat from the bone. Discard the bone and skin, and return the shredded ham to the soup. Remove and discard the bay leaf. Now, taste the Crockpot Split Pea And Ham Soup. Add salt only if needed, as the ham often provides enough saltiness. If you desire a smoother consistency, you can use an immersion blender for just a few pulses, but a chunky texture is traditional for this hearty soup.

How to Serve Crockpot Split Pea And Ham Soup

Garnishes

To elevate your Crockpot Split Pea And Ham Soup, a few simple garnishes can make all the difference. I love adding a swirl of heavy cream or a dollop of sour cream. This provides a touch of richness. It contrasts beautifully with the earthy peas. Freshly chopped parsley or chives sprinkled on top add a burst of color. They offer a hint of freshness too. For a bit of crunch, crumbled crispy bacon or croutons are always welcome. They enhance the savory notes of the ham.

Side Dishes

This hearty soup pairs wonderfully with simple sides. They complement its comforting nature. Crusty French bread or a good sourdough loaf is essential. It’s perfect for dipping into that flavorful broth. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast. It balances the soup’s richness. For something more substantial, consider buttered cornbread. Simple roasted root vegetables like potatoes are also great.

Creative Ways to Present

For an elegant presentation, especially for entertaining, serve individual portions. Use small, rustic bowls or hollowed-out bread bowls. You can also ladle the soup into clear glasses or jars. Top with a small piece of crusty bread. Add a sprig of fresh thyme for a charming appetizer. Another idea is buffet-style serving. Offer a selection of garnishes in small bowls. Guests can customize their own hearty Crockpot Split Pea And Ham Soup this way.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers of this delicious Crockpot Split Pea And Ham Soup are a treasure! Once cooled, store any remaining soup in airtight containers in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3-4 days. For the best quality when reheating, I recommend storing any garnishes like sour cream, fresh herbs, or croutons separately. This prevents them from becoming soggy. It allows you to add them fresh when serving.

Freezing

Yes, this Crockpot Split Pea And Ham Soup freezes beautifully! It’s one of my favorite make-ahead meals for this reason. Allow the soup to cool completely. Then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. You can freeze it for up to 3 months. When freezing, I like to leave out any added salt. Do this until after thawing and reheating, as flavors can sometimes intensify.

Reheating

Reheating this hearty soup is simple and rewarding. The best method for maintaining texture is to reheat it gently on the stovetop. Use medium-low heat. Stir occasionally until heated through. If you’re short on time, reheat it in the microwave. Use 1-2 minute intervals. Stir between each one. For oven reheating, place the soup in an oven-safe dish. Cover it. Heat at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-30 minutes. Ensure it is hot. Add any fresh garnishes just before serving. This enhances the best flavor and texture.

Recipe Tips

• Preparation Tips: Always rinse and pick over your split peas. This ensures no debris makes it into your soup. Chop vegetables uniformly for even cooking.
• Cooking Techniques: For a thicker soup, use less broth initially. Add more if needed. Cooking on low for longer often yields a richer flavor.
• Substitutions: If you can’t find a ham hock, use leftover baked ham. Diced smoked sausage works for a different flavor profile. Vegetable broth can be used for a vegetarian version. Just omit the ham.
• Pro Tips: Taste and adjust seasoning at the very end. The saltiness of the ham can vary significantly. A splash of apple cider vinegar can brighten the soup’s flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this Crockpot Split Pea And Ham Soup ahead of time?

Absolutely! This slow cooker split pea soup is perfect for making ahead. You can prepare it the day before and store it in the refrigerator, or make a large batch and freeze portions for future meals. It reheats beautifully, making it a fantastic option for meal prepping.

How do I get my split pea soup to be thicker?

The split peas themselves will naturally thicken the soup as they break down during cooking. If you prefer an even thicker consistency, you can mash some of the peas against the side of the slow cooker with a spoon, or use an immersion blender for a few quick pulses. Ensure you don’t over-blend if you prefer some texture.

What kind of ham is best for this soup?

A smoked ham hock is ideal for its deep, smoky flavor that infuses the entire Crockpot Split Pea And Ham Soup. However, if you don’t have a ham hock, about 1 to 2 cups of diced, fully cooked, flavorful ham (like leftover holiday ham) will also work wonderfully. Just ensure it’s a good quality, flavorful ham.

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