This cozy split pea soup is made with tasty peas, carrots, and savory ham, all slow-cooked to perfection. It’s like a warm hug in a bowl!
I love how simple it is to make—just toss everything in the crockpot and let it do its magic. Plus, it warms you up and fills you up, making it a perfect dinner choice!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Split Peas: Dried split peas are the star of this soup! They cook down nicely to create a thick and creamy texture. If you can’t find yellow split peas, green ones work just as well and might offer a slightly different flavor.
Broth: Vegetable broth adds a nice depth of flavor, but chicken broth is a great choice for extra richness. You can also use low-sodium versions if you’re watching salt intake.
Vegetables: Onions, carrots, and celery make up the classic flavor base known as mirepoix. Feel free to substitute with other veggies like bell peppers or parsnips if you like! Just keep them chopped small for even cooking.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is best for flavor. If you’re in a pinch, garlic powder can be a quick substitute, but it won’t have the same fresh taste!
Ham or Bacon: This ingredient adds a lovely smoky flavor, but you can skip it for a vegetarian option. If you want a smoky taste, try adding a bit of smoked paprika instead.
How Do I Cook Split Peas Perfectly in the Crockpot?
Cooking split peas in a crockpot is super easy, but you want to make sure they turn out just right. Here’s how to get that delicious, thick consistency without any hassle:
- First, rinse the split peas to remove any dirt or debris. This helps keep your soup clean and reduces cooking time.
- Add all your ingredients to the crockpot. Be sure to stir everything together well to spread out the flavors.
- Cover the pot! Cooking on low for 6 to 8 hours gives the peas a chance to cook thoroughly. If you’re in a hurry, the high setting works in 3 to 4 hours.
- Check the peas towards the end. They should be very tender. If they’re still a bit firm, give them some more time.
Using an immersion blender is a game changer if you want a creamy texture. Just blend a few times in the pot to get that smooth consistency while leaving some chunks for texture.
Best Crockpot Split Pea Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound dried split peas, rinsed
- 8 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon thyme (dried or fresh)
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1 cup diced ham or bacon (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This comforting split pea soup takes about 15 minutes to prep and can be cooked in a crockpot for 6 to 8 hours on low or 3 to 4 hours on high. Just set it and forget it while it transforms into a delicious dish! Perfect for a busy day.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Ingredients:
Start by rinsing your dried split peas under cold water to remove any dust or debris. Then, chop your onion, dice the carrots and celery, and mince the garlic. Gather all your ingredients, so you’re ready to go!
2. Load the Crockpot:
In a large crockpot, add the rinsed split peas, the vegetable or chicken broth, chopped onion, diced carrots, diced celery, minced garlic, bay leaf, thyme, black pepper, and salt. If you’re using ham or bacon, toss that in too. It adds a lovely flavor!
3. Mix and Cook:
Give everything a good stir to combine. Now, cover the crockpot. You can either cook it on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. The peas will soften and the soup will thicken beautifully as it cooks.
4. Final Touches:
Once cooking time is up, remember to remove the bay leaf from the soup. If you like your soup smooth, you can take an immersion blender and blend some of it—or pour a portion into a blender, blend until smooth, and return it to the crockpot.
5. Taste and Serve:
Give your soup a taste. Adjust the seasoning if you think it needs a little something extra, and if it seems too thick, feel free to add a bit more broth or water. Serve your hot soup garnished with fresh parsley. Enjoy every hearty spoonful!
Can I Use Yellow Split Peas Instead of Green?
Absolutely! Yellow split peas can be used in place of green ones. The flavor is slightly sweet and the color will be different, but the cooking time and method remain the same.
What Can I Substitute for Ham or Bacon?
If you want to make this soup vegetarian or simply don’t have ham or bacon, you can use smoked paprika or liquid smoke for a similar depth of flavor. You can also add some sautéed mushrooms for an earthy addition.
Can I Make This Soup in Advance?
Yes, this soup stores very well! You can make it a day or two in advance. Just let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or you can freeze it for up to 3 months.
How to Reheat Leftover Split Pea Soup?
To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup has thickened, you may want to add a splash of broth or water to bring it back to your preferred consistency. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal!
