Split Pea And Ham Soup Slow Cooker Recipe (Guide)

Ah, nothing quite hits the cozy spot like a warm bowl of split pea and ham soup, especially when it’s been slow-cooked to perfection. Imagine walking into your kitchen to the hearty, comforting aroma of simmering peas, smoky ham, and aromatic vegetables. Slow cooking not only enhances the flavors, but it also makes this soup incredibly easy to prepare-set it, forget it, and come back to a masterpiece.

Whether it’s a chilly autumn evening, a busy weekday when you don’t want to slave over the stove, or just a craving for that classic, savory comfort food, this soup delivers every single time. Bonus? It’s budget-friendly, nourishing, and versatile enough to tweak exactly to your taste.

Split Pea And Ham Soup Slow Cooker Recipe

This slow cooker recipe is designed for simplicity without sacrificing flavor. It’s hearty, filling, and perfect for making a large batch to enjoy throughout the week or freeze for later. The magic happens when slow cooking allows the peas to fully break down, giving you that creamy, silky texture without ever needing to use a blender.

Ingredient List

Here’s everything you’ll need to make your slow cooker split pea and ham soup sing:

• 1 ½ cups dried split peas – Rinse well under cold water to remove any debris.
• 2 cups cooked ham, diced – Use leftover ham, ham bone, or ham steak. The bone adds incredible flavor!
• 1 large onion, chopped – Adds sweetness and depth.
• 2 carrots, diced – For a touch of natural sweetness and color.
• 2 celery stalks, diced – Gives that classic aromatic base.
• 3-4 garlic cloves, minced – Optional, but strongly recommended for depth.
• 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth – You can adjust depending on your preferred soup consistency.
• 1-2 bay leaves – Adds subtle aromatic complexity.
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme – Or use fresh for a brighter flavor.
• Salt and black pepper, to taste – Important to season gradually.
• Optional extras: smoked paprika, a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat, or fresh parsley for garnish.

Instruction Guide

Cooking split pea and ham soup in a slow cooker is delightfully simple:

1. Prep Your Ingredients

   • Rinse the split peas thoroughly. Chop all vegetables into bite-sized pieces. Dice your ham if it isn’t already.

2. Layer In The Slow Cooker

   • Place the split peas at the bottom, then add chopped vegetables, ham, garlic, bay leaves, and thyme. Pour in your broth.

3. Season Gently

   • Add a pinch of salt and black pepper. Don’t over-salt yet; the ham can be salty and flavors will concentrate as it cooks.

4. Set And Forget

   • Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The peas should be tender and the soup thickened.

5. Finishing Touches

   • Remove bay leaves. Taste and adjust seasoning. If you like a smoother consistency, lightly mash some of the peas with a potato masher or immersion blender.

6. Serve And Enjoy

   • Ladle into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of smoked paprika if desired, and watch everyone dive in.

Ingredient Swaps

No ham? No problem. Here are some swaps for flexibility:

• Meat Alternatives

  • Smoked turkey or leftover roast chicken
  • Vegetarian: smoked tempeh or vegan bacon bits

• Broth Swaps

  • Low-sodium chicken, vegetable, or even beef broth
  • Water plus a bouillon cube works in a pinch

• Vegetable Swaps

  • Parsnip or sweet potato instead of carrots
  • Leeks instead of onion for a slightly sweeter, milder flavor

Helpful Tips

• Pre-soaking peas isn’t necessary, but soaking for an hour can reduce cooking time slightly.
• Don’t rush the cooking process. Low and slow is the key to creamy, flavorful soup.
• Taste and adjust seasoning at the end-the ham’s saltiness varies, so it’s better to under-season first.
• Storage: Keeps beautifully in the fridge for 3-4 days or freezes up to 3 months. Reheat gently to avoid over-thickening.
• Thickness adjustment: Add a splash of broth or water if soup is too thick after refrigeration.

Customization Ideas

Make this soup your own by experimenting:

• Spicy twist: Add a pinch of cayenne, chili powder, or diced jalapeños.
• Creamy version: Stir in a splash of cream or coconut milk for a rich, silky texture.
• Herbal variation: Swap thyme for rosemary or sage for a more robust flavor.
• Smoky depth: Add a teaspoon of liquid smoke if you’re using lean ham or want a stronger smoky flavor.
• Extra veggies: Throw in diced zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms for added nutrition and texture.

FAQs

Can I Use Dried Split Peas For This Slow Cooker Recipe?

Yes, dried split peas are ideal for slow cooker recipes. They cook slowly and absorb flavors well. Make sure to rinse them thoroughly before adding to the slow cooker.

Do I Need To Soak The Split Peas Before Cooking?

No soaking is necessary for split peas. They cook well directly in the slow cooker, although rinsing them can help remove dust and debris.

What Type Of Ham Should I Use For The Soup?

Smoked ham hocks or leftover ham from a roasted ham work best, as they impart rich flavor. You can also use diced cooked ham if you prefer a quicker option.

How Long Should I Cook Split Pea And Ham Soup In A Slow Cooker?

Typically, the soup should cook for 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high, until the peas are tender and the flavors have melded together.

Can I Make This Soup In Advance And Store It?

Yes, split pea and ham soup stores well. Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4-5 days or freeze for 2-3 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Should I Add Vegetables To The Soup?

Yes, vegetables like onions, carrots, and celery add depth and sweetness to the soup. Add them at the beginning to allow flavors to blend during slow cooking.

How Can I Make The Soup Thicker?

For a thicker soup, you can blend a portion of the soup with an immersion blender or mash some of the cooked peas before serving. Cooking longer on low also naturally thickens it.

Can I Use Bone-in Or Boneless Ham?

Both options work. Bone-in ham hocks provide extra flavor due to the marrow and connective tissue, while boneless ham cubes are convenient and quicker to prepare.

Do I Need To Add Salt To The Soup?

Ham can be quite salty, so taste the soup before adding extra salt. You can adjust seasoning toward the end of cooking to avoid over-salting.

Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian Or Vegan?

Yes, replace the ham with smoked tofu, liquid smoke, or a vegetable broth for flavor. Use vegetable stock instead of ham broth to keep it fully plant-based.