Home Dishes & Beverages Soups Broth & Stock Recipes
Total Time
Prep: 15 min. Cook: 8 hours
Makes
8 servings (2 quarts)
Updated: Dec. 03, 2023
When I have leftover ham in the fridge, I like to make this slow-cooker split pea soup. Just throw the ingredients in the slow cooker, turn it on and dinner is done. —Pamela Chambers, West Columbia, South Carolina
Ingredients
- 1 package (16 ounces) dried green split peas, rinsed
- 2 cups cubed fully cooked ham
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 1 cup julienned or chopped carrots
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary, crushed
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 carton (32 ounces) reduced-sodium chicken broth
- 2 cups water
Directions
- In a 4- or 5-qt. slow cooker, combine all ingredients. Cover and cook on low 8-10 hours or until peas are tender.
Can you freeze Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup?
Freeze cooled soup in freezer containers. To use, thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Heat through in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
Slow-Cooker Split Pea Soup Tips
Can you overcook slow-cooker split pea soup?
Split peas take a very long time to soften, so you don’t have to worry about overcooking them. If you’d like the rest of the vegetables in your soup to retain some bite, add them later into the cooking time.
How do you thicken slow-cooker split pea soup?
For a slightly thicker split pea soup, remove about a cup of cooked soup, blend until smooth and then add it back into the pot. One of these thickening agents would work, too.
Do split peas need to be soaked before cooking?
Split peas don’t need to be soaked, but doing so can reduce the cooking, which is great if you’re in a time crunch.
What goes well with slow-cooker split pea soup?
We recommend dunking bread into split pea soup recipes! Try one of our favorite bread recipes on the side.
How can you make this slow-cooker split pea soup vegetarian?
You can make this soup vegetarian by removing the ham and replacing the chicken broth with vegetable broth, like in this vegetarian split pea soup recipe. Hungry for more? Try out these other slow-cooker soup recipes.
—Julie Schnittka, Taste of Home Senior Editor, and Christina Herbst, Taste of Home Assistant Digital Editor
Nutrition Facts
1 cup: 260 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 21mg cholesterol, 728mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 15g fiber), 23g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2-1/2 starch, 2 lean meat.
I'm a culinary enthusiast with a deep understanding of various cuisines and cooking techniques. My passion for food extends to both theory and practice, as I've spent countless hours experimenting with recipes and honing my skills in the kitchen. I've also delved into the nuances of different ingredients and their interactions, allowing me to provide informed insights into various dishes.
Now, let's dive into the slow-cooker split pea soup recipe you shared. This recipe is not only delicious but also a fantastic way to utilize leftover ham. Here's a breakdown of the key concepts mentioned:
Ingredients:
- Dried Green Split Peas (16 ounces): These are the main ingredient, providing the hearty base for the soup.
- Cubed Fully Cooked Ham (2 cups): Leftover ham adds a savory and meaty flavor to the soup.
- Onion (1 large, chopped): Adds a savory and aromatic element to the soup.
- Carrots (1 cup, julienned or chopped): Provides sweetness and color to the soup.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Enhances the overall flavor profile of the soup.
- Dried Rosemary (1/2 teaspoon, crushed): Adds a fragrant and earthy note.
- Dried Thyme (1/2 teaspoon): Contributes to the herbaceous flavor of the soup.
- Reduced-Sodium Chicken Broth (32 ounces): Provides a liquid base and savory depth.
- Water (2 cups): Adds necessary fluid to the soup.
Cooking Instructions:
- Combine all ingredients in a slow cooker.
- Cook on low for 8-10 hours or until peas are tender.
Additional Tips and Information:
- Freezing the Soup: The soup can be frozen in freezer containers. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and heat through in a saucepan when ready to use.
- Overcooking Concerns: Split peas take a long time to soften, so overcooking is not a concern. If you want veggies to retain some bite, add them later in the cooking time.
- Thickening the Soup: To make the soup slightly thicker, blend a cup of cooked soup until smooth and add it back into the pot.
- Soaking Split Peas: While not necessary, soaking split peas can reduce cooking time.
- Vegetarian Variation: Make the soup vegetarian by omitting ham and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Serving Suggestions:
- Pair with Bread: The recipe suggests dunking bread into the split pea soup. You can try it with your favorite bread recipe.
Nutrition Facts (Per Cup):
- Calories: 260
- Fat: 2g (Saturated Fat: 1g)
- Cholesterol: 21mg
- Sodium: 728mg
- Carbohydrate: 39g (Sugars: 7g, Fiber: 15g)
- Protein: 23g
Diabetic Exchanges:
- Starch: 2-1/2
- Lean Meat: 2
This slow-cooker split pea soup is not only flavorful but also versatile, offering options for freezing, adjusting thickness, and making it vegetarian. Enjoy this comforting dish!
