Crockpot Split Pea Soup 🍲
This Crockpot Split Pea Soup is a warm, comforting, and nutritious meal that’s perfect for a cozy dinner. The slow cooking process allows the split peas to become tender, and all the flavors blend beautifully together. It’s a set-it-and-forget-it recipe that is as hearty as it is easy to make!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb dried split peas, rinsed
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp dried rosemary (optional)
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 ham bone or 2 cups diced ham (optional for extra flavor)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for sautéing, optional)
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar (optional, to add brightness)
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Ingredients:
- Rinse and drain the split peas under cold water.
- Chop the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic into small pieces.
-
Sauté the Vegetables (Optional):
- If you’d like a deeper flavor, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic for about 5 minutes until the vegetables start to soften and become fragrant. This step adds more richness to the soup, but you can skip it if you’re in a rush.
-
Add Ingredients to Crockpot:
- Place the rinsed split peas, sautéed vegetables (if using), broth, thyme, rosemary, bay leaves, and the ham bone (or diced ham) into the crockpot.
- Stir everything together and season with salt and pepper to taste. If you’re using a ham bone, you can add a little extra seasoning, but be mindful of the salt since the ham can be salty.
-
Slow Cook:
- Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the split peas are tender and the soup has thickened. If you’re in a hurry, you can cook it on high for 3-4 hours instead.
- Check occasionally to ensure the soup doesn’t need more broth. If it gets too thick, you can add additional water or broth.
-
Finish the Soup:
- Once the peas are tender, remove the ham bone if used, and shred any remaining ham off the bone. Stir the shredded ham back into the soup (or add the diced ham if using).
- For extra depth of flavor, stir in 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar (optional). This brightens up the soup and balances the richness of the peas and ham.
-
Serve:
- Ladle the soup into bowls and serve with a slice of crusty bread or crackers on the side.
Tips:
- Make it vegetarian: Skip the ham and use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version of this soup.
- Thicken it: If you prefer a thicker soup, you can blend a portion of the soup with an immersion blender or in a blender, then return it to the crockpot.
- Add-ins: You can add spinach, kale, or potatoes for extra texture and nutrients.
- Storage: This soup stores well in the fridge for 3-4 days and can be frozen for up to 3 months.
This Crockpot Split Pea Soup is the perfect hearty, flavorful meal that requires minimal effort and is packed with goodness. Enjoy the rich, smoky, and savory flavors with every spoonful! 🍲
