A cozy fix-it and forget-it cookbook recipe is this ham split pea soup made in the slow cooker using water, ham hock or cubed ham, dried split peas, chopped onion, diced carrots, and salt and pepper.

To make Ham Split Pea Soup in your slow cooker or crockpot, start by boiling water and adding it to the other ingredients already placed in the pot. Cook on high for 4 hours until everything melds into a comforting, thick soup.

This recipe is a great example of how a few simple ingredients, combined and cooked slowly, can create a filling and delicious meal with minimal effort.

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Can I Use a Different Type of Meat Instead of Ham?

Yes, you can substitute the ham with other meats such as smoked turkey or smoked sausage to maintain a similar smoky flavor. Both alternatives offer a delicious twist while keeping the soup hearty and flavorful.

Slow Cooker Ham Split Pea Soup Ingredients

• 2½ quarts of water
• 1 ham hock or 1½ cups of cut-up ham
• 2½ cups of dried split peas
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 medium carrots, diced
• Salt and pepper, to taste

How To Make Slow Cooker Ham Split Pea Soup

1. Prepare the water: In a large saucepan, bring 2½ quarts of fresh water to a rolling boil, ensuring it’s hot enough to start the cooking process immediately.
2. Combine the ingredients: Place the ham hock or cubed ham, pre-rinsed and sorted dried split peas, finely chopped onion, and evenly diced carrots into the slow cooker.
3. Add boiling water: Carefully pour the hot boiling water over the ingredients in the slow cooker, making sure all elements are fully submerged; stir to combine everything thoroughly.
4. Cook the soup: Secure the lid on the slow cooker and set the appliance to cook on High for exactly 4 hours, checking that the vegetables and peas become perfectly tender.
5. Prepare the ham: If you used a ham hock, remove it from the slow cooker after cooking; then carefully debone it, discarding the bones and any excess fat, and chop the meat into small, bite-sized pieces.
6. Finish the soup: Stir the chopped ham back into the slow cooker, mixing it into the soup to distribute the pieces evenly; season with salt and freshly ground black pepper according to your personal taste preferences.
7. Serve warm: Do a final taste test and adjust the seasoning as needed before serving the soup hot, ensuring it provides a comforting and satisfying meal.

Recipe Tips

• Soak the split peas: To ensure a smoother texture and faster cooking time, soak the split peas in water overnight; drain them before adding to the slow cooker.
• Enhance the flavor: For a richer flavor, sauté the onions and carrots in a tablespoon of olive oil before adding them to the slow cooker along with the other ingredients.
• Add herbs: Introduce a bouquet garni of thyme, bay leaf, and parsley to the soup at the beginning of cooking to infuse it with aromatic flavors, removing the herbs before serving.
• Manage the salt: If using store-bought ham, which can be salty, adjust the added salt accordingly; taste the soup halfway through cooking to better gauge the needed seasoning.
• Prep for leftovers: This soup thickens considerably when cooled; add a little water or broth when reheating to bring back its original consistency without diluting the flavor too much.

What Can I Do If My Soup Is Too Thick?

If your soup thickens more than you prefer, simply add some boiling water or vegetable broth while reheating. Stir well to incorporate and achieve the desired consistency, tasting as you go to ensure the balance of flavors remains.

Recipe Variations

• Vegetarian option: Replace the ham with smoked paprika and add liquid smoke for depth, along with chunks of potatoes or mushrooms for heartiness, maintaining the soup’s rich texture and flavor profile.
• Spicy twist: Incorporate a diced jalapeño or a teaspoon of red pepper flakes into the soup for a subtle heat that complements the peas and ham, adding it at the beginning of cooking.
• Creamier texture: For a creamier soup, blend half of the cooked peas and vegetables with an immersion blender before returning them to the pot, creating a smoother, more velvety texture.
• Additional vegetables: Include chopped celery or leeks with the carrots and onions to add layers of flavor and increase the nutritional content of the soup, adding them at the same time as the other vegetables.
• Different legumes: Experiment with other types of dried legumes like lentils or chickpeas instead of split peas; adjust the cooking time as necessary to ensure all ingredients are tender.

What To Serve With Ham Split Pea Soup

Serve your Ham Split Pea Soup with hearty and rustic sides like garlic croutons, cheese-stuffed breadsticks, and apple cider slaw. You can also pair it with a spinach pear salad or fresh beetroot carpaccio.

How To Store Leftover Ham Split Pea Soup

In The Fridge:

Pour the leftover Ham Split Pea Soup into airtight containers to minimize exposure to air. Ensure the soup cools to room temperature before sealing and refrigerating. It will stay fresh for up to five days if stored properly.

In The Freezer:

Ham Split Pea Soup freezes well due to its broth base and absence of cream. Cool the soup completely, then transfer it into freezer-safe bags or containers. Squeeze out excess air and freeze flat for up to three months. Label with the freezing date for reference.

How To Reheat Leftover Ham Split Pea Soup

Reheat your leftover Ham Split Pea Soup by transferring it into a saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally, and add a little water or broth if the soup is too thick. Heat until it’s hot throughout, which should take about 10 minutes.

For quicker heating, use a microwave-safe bowl and cover it with a lid or microwave-safe plastic wrap. Heat on high for 3-4 minutes, stir, then heat for an additional 2-3 minutes. Ensure the soup reaches 165°F for safe consumption.

Check out More Slow Cooker Recipes:

• Slow Cooker Carrot and Coriander Soup
• Slow Cooker Kangaroo Stew
• Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon