As the crisp air of September ushers in the cozy days of autumn, our thoughts naturally turn to comforting, heartwarming meals. And what could be more comforting than a steaming bowl of homemade soup? I know I’m more than ready to embrace soup season with open arms, and it seems I’m not alone. Just a few weeks ago, while visiting John’s wonderful grandmother, she expressed a delightful longing for a really good, wholesome soup. This simple wish instantly sparked an idea, serving as my perfect invitation to head to the kitchen and craft what I hoped would be an unforgettable batch of Crockpot Split Pea Soup.
Embrace Comfort: The Ultimate Crockpot Split Pea Soup Recipe
Bringing that lovingly prepared soup to John’s grandmother was a joy. Her immediate adoration for it was all the validation I needed. She truly is a remarkable woman – a genuine spitfire with a spirit that inspires everyone around her. Her life stories are nothing short of incredible, like the unique way she met her husband. They were introduced by a friend and, in a time before modern technology, built their entire relationship through letters. Imagine getting to know someone so deeply, solely through their words, that you decide to marry them a mere few days after meeting them in person! It’s a concept that feels almost fantastical in today’s fast-paced world, and one I can barely fathom when I think about how John and I met.
She often shares that the heartfelt exchanges in those letters allowed them to truly understand each other, solidifying her conviction that he was “the one.” Her tales are profoundly moving, and I’ve begun to videotape them, hoping to preserve and share these precious snippets of history and wisdom. Her resilience and ingenuity are truly aspirational. For instance, facing the challenge of affording an electrician, she taught herself the intricacies of house wiring, ensuring their entire home was wired safely and to code. She took on countless other repairs, too, a testament to her strength and determination. Meanwhile, I consider myself fortunate if I successfully change a lightbulb, which pretty much sums up the extent of my own home repair prowess!
Why You’ll Love This Easy Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup
This Crockpot Split Pea Soup isn’t just a recipe; it’s a bowl of comforting history and simple goodness. It’s the kind of meal that wraps you in a warm hug, making it ideal for chilly evenings, busy weekdays, or simply when you crave a deeply satisfying, homemade dish. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the magic of the slow cooker. You simply set it and forget it, allowing the flavors to meld and deepen over several hours, resulting in a soup that tastes like it simmered all day long.
The Magic of Low and Slow Cooking
Cooking split pea soup low and slow in a crockpot is truly the best method for achieving that coveted creamy, rich texture and profound flavor. This extended cooking time allows the dried split peas to break down beautifully, absorbing all the aromatic liquids and creating a naturally thick, velvety broth without the need for any dairy or thickeners. The vegetables become incredibly tender, almost melting into the soup, contributing their sweetness and savory notes to every spoonful. It’s a testament to patience in cooking, yielding a result far superior to what rushed stovetop methods might achieve.
Essential Ingredients for Your Perfect Split Pea Soup
Crafting a truly exceptional split pea soup begins with a careful selection of fresh, high-quality ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in building the layers of flavor and texture that make this soup a perennial favorite.
- Celery: Adds a crisp, aromatic foundation to the soup, providing essential savory notes.
- Dried Split Peas: The star of the show! These little legumes are packed with protein and fiber and break down beautifully to create the soup’s creamy base.
- Bay Leaves: Infuse the soup with a subtle, earthy aroma that enhances the overall savory profile. Remember to remove them before serving!
- Water or Broth: While water works, using chicken or vegetable broth will significantly deepen the flavor.
- Dried Oregano: A classic herb that complements the savory notes of the vegetables and peas.
- Chicken Bouillon Cubes or Vegetable Broth: For an extra layer of umami and richness. Use vegetable broth for a vegetarian option.
- Potatoes: Peeled and diced, potatoes add a wonderful starchy creaminess and body to the soup, making it even heartier.
- Onion: Diced onions are a foundational aromatic, providing a sweet and savory base as they slowly cook down.
- Carrots: Contribute natural sweetness, vibrant color, and essential nutrients, balancing the savory flavors.
- Garlic Powder: Offers a mellow garlic flavor that blends seamlessly into the soup. Fresh minced garlic can also be used.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning to taste, bringing all the flavors into harmony.
Optional Enhancements for Deeper Flavor
To truly elevate this hearty soup, consider adding a leftover ham bone or a smoked ham hock to the slow cooker along with the other ingredients. The ham bone will impart an incredible depth of smoky, savory flavor that transforms the soup into a gourmet experience. Just remember to remove the bone before serving! For a vegetarian option, a teaspoon of smoked paprika can offer a wonderful depth and smokiness without any meat.
Recommended Equipment for Effortless Soup Making
Making soup in a slow cooker is already straightforward, but having the right tools can make the process even more enjoyable and efficient.
- Vegetable Chopper: This is an absolute game-changer for speeding up prep time. Quickly chop onions, carrots, and celery with ease, saving you precious minutes in the kitchen.
- Crockpot (Slow Cooker): For the best results, we highly recommend a slow cooker with a programmable timer. Look for one that automatically switches to a “warm” setting once the cooking time is complete. This feature ensures your soup cooks perfectly without overcooking, giving you peace of mind throughout the day.
- Soup Bowls: A great soup deserves to be served in a beautiful bowl. Invest in sturdy, comfortable bowls that enhance your eating experience.
Expert Tips for the Best Crockpot Split Pea Soup
Achieving a consistently delicious and perfectly textured split pea soup is easy with a few simple tips and tricks.
- Rinse Your Peas: Always rinse your dried split peas thoroughly under cold running water before adding them to the slow cooker. This removes any dust or debris and can help prevent excessive foam during cooking.
- No Soaking Required: One of the many benefits of using a slow cooker for split pea soup is that soaking the peas overnight is typically not necessary. The long, slow cooking process breaks them down beautifully on its own.
- Adjust Consistency: If your soup turns out thicker than you prefer, simply stir in a little extra hot water or broth until it reaches your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, you can mash some of the peas and potatoes against the side of the pot with a spoon to thicken it naturally.
- Seasoning is Key: Taste your soup before serving and adjust salt and pepper as needed. The flavors will have melded significantly during cooking, so a final seasoning can make all the difference.
- The Ham Bone Trick: As mentioned, adding a ham bone (or hock) provides unparalleled depth. If you don’t have one, a dash of liquid smoke or smoked paprika can mimic that flavor. Be sure to remove any bones before serving!
- Stir Towards the End: Give the soup a good stir before serving to ensure everything is well combined and the creamy texture is uniform.
Delicious Variations and Creative Add-ins
While this classic Crockpot Split Pea Soup recipe is perfect as is, it’s also wonderfully adaptable. Feel free to experiment with these variations to suit your taste or what you have on hand.
- Vegetarian/Vegan Delight: Easily make this soup meat-free by omitting the ham bone and using vegetable broth instead of chicken bouillon. For a smoky flavor, add a teaspoon of smoked paprika or a dash of liquid smoke.
- Add More Veggies: Boost the nutritional value and texture by incorporating other vegetables. Diced parsnips, sweet potatoes, turnips, or even a handful of spinach or kale stirred in during the last hour of cooking would be excellent additions.
- Spice it Up: Enhance the aromatic profile with additional herbs and spices. A pinch of thyme, a sprig of rosemary, or a touch of cumin can add another layer of complexity. For a subtle kick, a tiny dash of cayenne pepper or a pinch of red pepper flakes can be introduced.
- Protein Power: If you enjoy meat, consider adding diced cooked ham (after removing the bone), smoked sausage, or even shredded cooked chicken during the last hour of cooking for an even heartier meal.
- Herbaceous Finish: A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives just before serving adds a bright, fresh counterpoint to the rich soup.
Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Split Pea Soup
A hearty bowl of Crockpot Split Pea Soup is a meal in itself, but a few simple accompaniments can truly complete the dining experience. Here are some of our favorite ideas:
- Crusty Bread or Rolls: Perfect for soaking up every last drop of the delicious broth. A warm baguette or sourdough bread is an ideal choice.
- Grilled Cheese Sandwich: The classic pairing! The rich, savory soup and a gooey, cheesy sandwich are a match made in comfort food heaven.
- Simple Side Salad: A light, fresh green salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the hearty soup.
- Cornbread: A slightly sweet cornbread muffin or slice can be a delightful addition, offering a different texture and flavor profile.
- Croutons: For an added crunch, top your bowl with homemade or store-bought croutons.
Storage and Reheating for Later Enjoyment
One of the best things about split pea soup is that it often tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld. It’s also excellent for meal prepping!
- Refrigeration: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: Split pea soup freezes beautifully. Allow the soup to cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: Gently reheat soup on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. You may need to add a splash of water or broth to reach your desired consistency, as it tends to thicken in the fridge. Microwave reheating is also an option for individual portions.
Frequently Asked Questions About Split Pea Soup
Here are answers to some common questions about making and enjoying this delicious Crockpot Split Pea Soup:
Do I need to soak dried split peas before cooking?
No, one of the greatest advantages of using a slow cooker for this recipe is that pre-soaking dried split peas is generally not required. The long, slow cooking process provides ample time for the peas to soften and break down, creating that wonderful creamy texture without any extra effort.
Can I make this soup on the stovetop or in an Instant Pot?
Absolutely! While designed for a crockpot, this recipe can be adapted. For the stovetop, simmer the ingredients in a large pot for 1.5-2 hours, or until peas are tender, stirring occasionally and adding more liquid if needed. For an Instant Pot, combine all ingredients and cook on high pressure for 15-20 minutes, followed by a natural release.
How can I adjust the thickness of my split pea soup?
If your soup is too thick, simply stir in additional hot water or broth until it reaches your preferred consistency. If it’s too thin, you can mash a portion of the soup (especially the potatoes and peas) against the side of the pot or use an immersion blender to blend a small amount of the soup for a creamier, thicker texture.
Is this recipe gluten-free and dairy-free?
Yes, as written, this Crockpot Split Pea Soup recipe is naturally gluten-free and dairy-free, making it suitable for a wide range of dietary needs. Always check your bouillon or broth labels to ensure they meet your specific dietary requirements.
More Hearty Slow Cooker Soups to Enjoy
If you loved this comforting split pea soup, you’ll definitely want to explore more of our favorite crockpot soup recipes. They offer the same ease and deliciousness, perfect for any meal.
- Cheeseburger Soup
- Beer and Cheese Soup
- Stuffed Pepper Soup
- Tomato Tortellini Soup
- Vegetarian Meatball Soup
- Chicken Gnocchi Soup
For even more culinary inspiration, be sure to explore our extensive collection of copycat recipes, delightful dessert recipes, and an array of other fantastic Crockpot Recipes.
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Crock Pot Split Pea Soup Recipe
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Ingredients
- 1 cup Celery chopped
- 1 pound dried split peas
- 2 Bay Leaf
- 10 cups Water
- ½ Teaspoon Dried Oregano
- 5 Chicken Bouillon Cubes
- 2 potatoes peeled and diced
- 1 Onion diced
- 1 ½ cups Carrots diced
- ½ Teaspoon Garlic Powder
Instructions
- Thoroughly rinse dried split peas under cold running water.
- Add all ingredients, including rinsed split peas, chopped celery, bay leaves, water (or broth), dried oregano, chicken bouillon cubes (or vegetable broth), peeled and diced potatoes, diced onion, diced carrots, and garlic powder, to your crockpot or slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on the HIGH setting for 5 hours, or on the LOW setting for 8-10 hours, until the split peas are tender and have broken down into a creamy consistency.
- Carefully remove the bay leaves (and any ham bone, if used). Stir the soup well to ensure all ingredients are combined and to achieve a uniform creamy texture.
- Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot and enjoy your homemade, hearty split pea soup!
Kitchen Tools
- Slow cooker (Crockpot)
- Vegetable Chopper (optional, for faster prep)
- Cutting Board and Knife
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
Nutrition
Calories from Fat 9
Recipe originally shared on September 16, 2015. Updated on May 15, 2020.