There’s nothing quite like a steaming bowl of homemade split pea soup to warm you up on a chilly day. And a Crock-Pot makes this super easy, so here is my slow cooker split pea soup recipe.
This easy, slow cooker recipe delivers a rich, comforting flavor that’s perfect for a budget-friendly dinner.
Simply toss the ingredients into your Crock Pot and let the slow-cooking process work its magic. The result is a hearty, nutritious meal that fills your home with a mouthwatering aroma.
Split pea soup is a classic comfort food that’s both delicious and economical. This simple, hands-off method allows the flavors to meld together effortlessly, creating a rich, satisfying dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal, this slow-cooker split pea soup is the perfect solution.
Can I Use Red, Green, or Yellow Split Peas for Split Pea Soup?
Green split peas are the most common and traditional choice for split pea soup.
They have a slightly earthy, nutty taste and a vibrant green color that results in a classic, comforting split pea soup. Yellow split peas, on the other hand, have a milder, almost sweet flavor and tend to create a creamier, softer texture in the soup.
Red split peas are less common, but they can also be used to make a tasty and visually striking pea soup with a slightly sweeter, more delicate taste.
| Pea Variety | Flavor | Texture | Color |
|---|---|---|---|
| Green Split Peas | Earthy, nutty | Firm, holds shape | Vibrant green |
| Yellow Split Peas | Mild, sweet | Creamy, soft | Golden yellow |
| Red Split Peas | Delicate, sweet | Tender, creamy | Reddish-orange |
When choosing the right split peas for your soup, consider your personal taste preferences and the desired appearance and texture of the final dish.
Green split peas are the classic choice, but yellow or red split peas can also be used to create unique and flavorful variations on traditional split pea soup.
Do Split Peas Need to be Soaked Before Cooking?
When it comes to preparing split pea soup, one common question that often arises is whether split peas need to be soaked before cooking. The answer is not as straightforward as it may seem, as there are both benefits and drawbacks to the soaking process.
While soaking split peas can help reduce cooking time and result in a creamier texture, it’s not an absolute necessity, especially when using a slow cooker. The no-soak method can be just as effective, particularly if you have the time to let the peas cook low and slow.
To make split pea soup without soaking, simply add all the ingredients to your slow cooker and let it simmer on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The peas will soften and break down on their own, resulting in a hearty, comforting soup with minimal prep work.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb green or yellow split peas, rinsed
- 5-6 cups chicken or vegetable broth (low sodium preferred)
- 1-2 cups water (optional, depending on thickness desired)
- 1 meaty ham bone, 2 small ham hocks, or 2-3 cups diced leftover ham
- 6 slices bacon, uncooked, chopped (optional)
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 ribs celery, diced
- 2-3 large carrots, diced
- 3-4 cloves garlic, minced or pressed
- 2 bay leaves
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme leaves or 2-3 sprigs fresh thyme
- ¼-½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt, to taste
- 1 teaspoon liquid smoke (optional for a smoky flavor)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (plus more for garnish)
Instructions:
- Rinse and sort 1 lb of split peas, removing any debris or pebbles.
- Chop vegetables:
- Dice 1 large onion.
- Dice 3 ribs of celery.
- Dice 2-3 large carrots.
- Mince or press 3-4 cloves of garlic.
- Prepare the meat, if using:
- Use 1 meaty ham bone, 2 small ham hocks, or 2-3 cups diced leftover ham.
- Optional: Chop 6 slices of uncooked bacon.
- In a 6-quart slow cooker, add the rinsed split peas, prepared vegetables, and meat (if using).
- Add the seasonings:
- 2 bay leaves.
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme leaves or 2-3 sprigs fresh thyme.
- ¼-½ teaspoon black pepper.
- Pour in 5-6 cups of chicken or vegetable broth (low sodium preferred) and 1-2 cups of water (if needed to adjust thickness).
- Optional for vegetarian versions: Add 1 teaspoon of liquid smoke for a smoky flavor.
- Stir all the ingredients to combine evenly.
- Cover and cook:
- On low for 8-10 hours.
- Or on high for 4-5 hours, until peas are soft and creamy.
- Once cooking is complete:
- Remove bay leaves and any bones or ham hocks.
- Stir the soup thoroughly to blend flavors and adjust seasoning with salt if needed.
- Optional: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Whether you choose to soak or not, the key to delicious split pea soup is to allow the flavors to meld together and the peas to become creamy and tender. With a few simple cooking techniques and the convenience of a slow cooker, you can enjoy a nourishing and satisfying bowl of this classic comfort food any time.
Can Crock Pot Split Pea Soup Be Cooked on High or Low?
Cooking split pea soup on the high setting can result in a heartier, thicker texture, as the soup will likely reach a rapid boil and cook more quickly.
This setting is ideal if you’re short on time and want to have a delicious meal ready in just a few hours.
Typically, split pea soup cooked on high should be ready in 3-4 hours, though the exact time may vary depending on your slow cooker model and the specific ingredients used.
On the other hand, the low setting is better suited for achieving a smoother, more velvety consistency in your split pea soup.
The longer, more gentle cooking time allows the peas to break down and blend together more seamlessly. When cooking on low, you can expect your split pea soup to be ready in 6-8 hours, making it a great option for meal planning and set-it-and-forget-it cooking.
Regardless of which setting you choose, it’s important to keep a close eye on your slow cooker and adjust the cooking time as needed. Some slow cooker models may run hotter or cooler than others, so it’s always a good idea to check the soup periodically and make any necessary adjustments to the cooking time or temperature.
By paying attention to these details, you can ensure your split pea soup turns out perfectly every time, whether you’re cooking on high or low.
| Slow Cooker Setting | Cooking Time | Texture |
|---|---|---|
| High | 3-4 hours | Heartier, thicker |
| Low | 6-8 hours | Smoother, more velvety |
Remember, the perfect slow cooker settings for your split pea soup may also depend on your personal preferences and the specific ingredients you’re using.
By experimenting with different cooking times and temperatures, you can find the perfect balance of slow cooker settings, cooking time adjustments, and meal planning to create the most delicious and satisfying split pea soup every time.
Split Pea Soup Substitutions
How to Make It Vegetarian
To create a delicious vegetarian version of this split pea soup, simply omit the ham and replace it with a plant-based protein source, such as diced tofu or extra-firm tempeh. A dash of liquid smoke can also impart that smoky flavor without needing to use meat substitutes.
You can also use vegetable broth in place of chicken broth to make the soup entirely meat-free. Don’t forget to adjust the seasoning to your taste, as the absence of the ham’s savory notes may require a bit of extra seasoning.
Can You Use Lentils Instead of Split Peas
Absolutely! Lentils can make a wonderful substitute for split peas in this soup.
The cooking time may be slightly shorter, as lentils tend to cook faster than split peas. Lentils also have a slightly different flavor profile, but they can still provide a satisfying, protein-packed base for your soup.
Feel free to experiment with different lentil varieties, such as green, brown, or red lentils, to find the flavor and texture that best suits your preferences.
- Oven Roasted Dijon Pork Tenderloin Recipe - January 21, 2025
- Savory Spaghetti Squash with Italian Sausage - January 4, 2025
- Authentic Thai Red Curry Chicken Recipe - January 4, 2025