Ham Bone Split Pea Soup Slow Cooker Recipe (Guide)

ByAmy

Oh, there’s nothing quite like the cozy, comforting aroma of a slow-cooked soup filling your kitchen on a chilly day! Among all soups, ham bone split pea soup stands out as a timeless classic. It’s hearty, satisfying, and packed with flavor that develops beautifully over hours of slow cooking.

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  • Why it’s special: Using a ham bone is like giving your soup a secret ingredient that you didn’t even have to buy separately. It imparts rich, smoky, savory depth that you just can’t get from broth alone.
  • Perfect for slow cookers: This recipe is designed for the slow cooker, which means you can basically set it and forget it. The slow cooking process allows the peas to break down naturally, creating a creamy, luscious texture without constant stirring.
  • Nutritionally hearty: Split peas are packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, making this soup not only delicious but also nourishing.

If you’ve been hesitant to try slow cooker soups before, this one will make you a believer. It’s forgiving, flexible, and makes enough to enjoy now and save for later.

Ham Bone Split Pea Soup Slow Cooker Recipe

ham bone split pea soup slow cooker recipe

This recipe is a slow cooker classic that transforms humble ingredients into a rich, flavorful soup. Think of it as the kind of dish that warms you from the inside out while filling your kitchen with the most irresistible aroma.

  • Cooking time: 6-8 hours on low, 4-5 hours on high
  • Servings: Approximately 6-8 generous bowls
  • Difficulty level: Very beginner-friendly

Ingredient List

Here’s what you’ll need. I like to list everything so you can double-check before diving in:

  • 1 ham bone (with or without some meat left on it-more meat = more flavor)
  • 2 cups dried split peas, rinsed and sorted
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 2-3 carrots, peeled and chopped into bite-sized pieces
  • 2-3 celery stalks, chopped
  • 3-4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 6 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth (or enough to cover ingredients in the slow cooker)
  • 1-2 bay leaves
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Optional: a pinch of smoked paprika or crushed red pepper for a subtle kick

Instruction Guide

Follow these steps for a soup that’s rich, creamy, and deeply satisfying:

  1. Prepare The Ingredients

    • Rinse the split peas thoroughly and remove any debris.
    • Chop your vegetables so they cook evenly.
    • Mince garlic for that aromatic punch.

  2. Add Everything To The Slow Cooker

    • Place the ham bone in the bottom, then layer in split peas, onions, carrots, celery, and garlic.
    • Pour in the broth and add the bay leaves and thyme.

  3. Season Carefully

    • Hold off on too much salt at first-ham bones are naturally salty, and the soup will reduce as it cooks.

  4. Cook Low And Slow

    • Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours.
    • The split peas will soften and naturally thicken the soup.

  5. Finish And Serve

    • Remove the ham bone, shred any remaining meat, and return it to the soup.
    • Discard the bay leaves.
    • Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
    • Ladle into bowls and serve hot, perhaps with a crusty slice of bread on the side.

Ingredient Swaps

Don’t have exactly what’s listed? No problem! Here are some flexible swaps:

  • Ham bone alternatives: Leftover ham hock, smoked turkey neck, or even a small smoked sausage can provide a similar depth.
  • Split peas: Green split peas are traditional, but yellow split peas can be used for a slightly sweeter, milder flavor.
  • Vegetables: Parsnips can replace or complement carrots, and leeks or shallots can be swapped for onions for a different aromatic profile.
  • Broth: Use water plus a bouillon cube if you don’t have broth on hand. Just adjust salt accordingly.

Helpful Tips

To make this soup foolproof and take your results to the next level:

  • Rinse split peas well: This prevents grit and improves the texture.
  • Don’t stir too much: Let the slow cooker do its magic; stirring too often can make peas too mushy.
  • Skim foam: If foam forms on top early in cooking, you can remove it for a cleaner broth.
  • Layer flavor: Adding herbs early and finishing with fresh herbs like parsley at the end keeps the flavors bright.
  • Storage: This soup thickens as it cools-simply thin with a splash of water or broth when reheating.

Customization Ideas

Make this soup your own by playing with flavors and textures:

  • Spicy kick: Add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika for warmth.
  • Creamy finish: Blend a portion of the soup for a creamy, velvety texture without adding cream.
  • Vegetarian twist: Skip the ham bone and add smoked paprika, liquid smoke, and extra vegetables for a hearty vegetarian version.
  • Protein boost: Toss in some cooked beans or shredded chicken if you want even more substance.
  • Toppings: Croutons, fresh herbs, or a drizzle of olive oil can elevate each bowl.

FAQs

Can I Use A Smoked Ham Bone Or A Regular Ham Bone For This Recipe?

You can use either, but a smoked ham bone will impart a richer, smokier flavor to the split pea soup, while a regular ham bone will provide a milder taste. Both options work well in a slow cooker.

Do I Need To Soak The Split Peas Before Cooking?

No, split peas do not require soaking. Unlike whole dried beans, split peas cook relatively quickly and will soften fully during the slow cooking process.

How Long Should I Cook The Soup In A Slow Cooker?

For best results, cook the soup on low heat for 6 to 8 hours or on high heat for 3 to 4 hours. This allows the split peas to fully break down and the flavors from the ham bone to infuse the soup.

Can I Use Leftover Ham Instead Of A Ham Bone?

Yes, you can use leftover ham, but using a ham bone adds more depth of flavor due to the marrow and connective tissue. If using leftover ham, you may want to add a small ham bone or use ham broth for extra richness.

Should I Remove The Ham Bone Before Serving?

Yes, remove the ham bone before serving. You can shred any meat from the bone back into the soup for added texture and flavor. Discard any cartilage or inedible portions.

Can I Freeze Leftover Ham Bone Split Pea Soup?

Yes, this soup freezes very well. Allow it to cool completely, then store in airtight containers or freezer-safe bags for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding water or broth if needed.

What Vegetables Can I Add To Enhance The Soup?

Common additions include carrots, celery, onions, garlic, and leeks. Potatoes or parsnips can also add heartiness. Chop them into uniform pieces for even cooking in the slow cooker.

Do I Need To Stir The Soup While It Cooks In The Slow Cooker?

No, slow cookers are designed for unattended cooking, so occasional stirring is optional. Stirring can help prevent ingredients from sticking at the edges if your slow cooker runs hot.

How Can I Adjust The Consistency If The Soup Is Too Thick Or Too Thin?

If the soup is too thick, add water or broth gradually while reheating until the desired consistency is reached. If too thin, remove the lid and cook on high for 15-30 minutes to allow some liquid to evaporate and thicken the soup.

Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?

Yes, but you will need to omit the ham bone and use vegetable broth instead of ham or meat-based stock. For flavor, consider adding smoked paprika or liquid smoke to mimic the smoky depth of a ham bone.

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