As the leaves start to change and the air gets that familiar crispness, there’s nothing quite like curling up with a warm bowl of homemade soup. And if there’s one soup that feels like a hug in a bowl, it’s Slow Cooker Pea & Ham Soup. This classic dish has been a staple in my family for generations, passed down from my grandmother’s kitchen where the smell of simmering soup meant you were in for something truly special.
This soup is the perfect blend of hearty and wholesome, packed with the earthy flavors of split peas, tender ham, and a medley of vegetables. It’s a Midwest classic that’s incredibly easy to prepare, making it ideal for those busy weekdays when you want a nutritious meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Just set it and forget it, and by the end of the day, you’ll have a pot full of comfort waiting for you.
Ingredients: What You’ll Need
Here’s everything you need to whip up this comforting soup for about 6 servings:
- 1 pound dried split peas, rinsed: The star ingredient, giving the soup its rich, creamy texture.
- 1 meaty ham bone or 2 cups diced ham: Adds depth of flavor and hearty bites of tender ham.
- 1 large onion, chopped: Brings a subtle sweetness and savory flavor.
- 3 carrots, peeled and chopped: Adds a touch of natural sweetness and color.
- 3 celery stalks, chopped: For that classic aromatic flavor that balances the sweetness of the carrots.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: A must for adding an extra layer of savory goodness.
- 1 bay leaf: Infuses the soup with a subtle herbal note.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: A warm, earthy herb that complements the ham and peas beautifully.
- 6 cups chicken broth: The base of the soup, adding richness and flavor.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to bring everything together.
Step-by-Step Instructions: Crafting Your Pea & Ham Soup
Ready to make a soup that’s as easy as it is delicious? Let’s get started!
Step 1: Prep the Ingredients
- Rinse the peas: Start by rinsing your dried split peas under cold water until the water runs clear. This removes any dust or debris and ensures your soup has a smooth, creamy texture.
Step 2: Combine Everything in the Slow Cooker
- Add the ingredients: In your slow cooker, combine the rinsed peas, ham bone or diced ham, chopped onion, carrots, celery, and minced garlic. The combination of these simple ingredients creates a depth of flavor that’s both hearty and satisfying.
- Season the soup: Add the bay leaf, dried thyme, and 6 cups of chicken broth. Give everything a good stir to ensure the ingredients are well mixed and the flavors can meld together as they cook.
Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection
- Set it and forget it: Cover your slow cooker and set it to cook on LOW for 8 hours. This low and slow method allows the split peas to soften completely, breaking down into a thick, creamy base, while the ham becomes tender and flavorful.
Step 4: Final Touches
- Finish the soup: Once the soup has cooked, remove the ham bone (if used) and shred any remaining meat. Return the shredded ham to the soup, discarding the bone and the bay leaf.
- Season to taste: Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper as needed. The ham and chicken broth add a good amount of salt, so start with a small amount and adjust to your preference.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
- Ladle and serve: Give the soup a final stir and ladle it into bowls. Serve it hot with your favorite sides, whether that’s a slice of crusty bread, a warm buttered roll, or something a bit more creative.
Variations & Tips: Make It Your Own
This Slow Cooker Pea & Ham Soup is wonderfully versatile, and there are plenty of ways to customize it to suit your taste:
Make It Creamy
- Blend it up: If you prefer a smoother texture, use an immersion blender to blend the soup slightly. You can blend it fully for a completely creamy soup or just a bit to keep some of the chunky goodness.
Vegetarian Version
- Omit the ham: For a vegetarian version, simply leave out the ham and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The soup will still be rich and flavorful, with the peas taking center stage.
Add More Veggies
- Boost the nutrition: Add in some diced potatoes or extra veggies like spinach or kale towards the end of the cooking time for added nutrition and texture.
Play with Herbs
- Experiment with herbs: While thyme is a classic choice, you can also try adding fresh parsley or dill for a different flavor profile. Fresh herbs should be added just before serving to preserve their bright flavors.
Serving Suggestions: Perfect Pairings for Your Soup
This soup is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of sides. Here are some ideas:
Crusty Bread
- Perfect for dipping: A slice of crusty bread or a warm buttered roll is the perfect companion to this soup. Use it to soak up every bit of that delicious broth.
Green Salad
- Light and fresh: For a lighter meal, serve the soup with a fresh green salad tossed in a simple vinaigrette. The crispness of the salad contrasts nicely with the hearty soup.
Roasted Vegetables
- Add some variety: If you’re looking for something a bit different, try serving the soup with a side of roasted vegetables. The caramelized flavors of the veggies complement the rich, savory soup.
Final Thoughts
There’s a reason this Slow Cooker Pea & Ham Soup has been a staple in my family for generations. It’s simple, comforting, and packed with flavor—a perfect dish for those cooler days when you need a little warmth in your life. Whether you’re making it for a busy weekday dinner or a leisurely weekend meal, this soup is sure to become a favorite in your home as well.
So, dust off your slow cooker, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a bowl of comfort that’s as easy to make as it is to love. Happy cooking!
Slow Cooker Pea & Ham Soup
Ingredients
- 1 pound dried split peas rinsed
- 1 meaty ham bone or 2 cups diced ham
- 1 large onion chopped
- 3 carrots peeled and chopped
- 3 celery stalks chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 6 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth for vegetarian
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prep the Ingredients: Rinse the split peas under cold water until the water runs clear.
- Combine in the Slow Cooker: Add the rinsed peas, ham bone or diced ham, chopped onion, carrots, celery, and minced garlic to the slow cooker. Season with bay leaf, dried thyme, and chicken broth. Stir to combine.
- Slow Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 8 hours. This allows the split peas to break down and the flavors to meld.
- Finish the Soup: Remove the ham bone (if used) and shred any remaining meat, returning it to the soup. Discard the bone and bay leaf. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot with your favorite sides.