Slow Cooked Split Pea and Ham Soup

Slow Cooked Split Pea and Ham Soup is a classic comfort dish that warms the soul. Thick, hearty, and deeply flavorful, this soup combines tender split peas, chunks of smoky ham, and aromatic vegetables into a creamy, satisfying bowl. Cooking it slowly allows the peas to break down naturally, creating a rich, velvety texture without the need for cream or flour.

Perfect for chilly days or when you crave a comforting, home-cooked meal, this soup is simple yet hearty enough to serve as a main dish. The smoky ham adds depth and umami, while the slow-cooked peas provide protein and fiber, making it both nourishing and delicious.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor. Simply toss the ingredients in a slow cooker and let them simmer for hours, filling the house with an irresistible aroma.

The result is a soup that tastes like it’s been simmering for a day, rich, creamy, and packed with smoky, savory goodness. It’s comfort in a bowl.

Why It’s a Must-Try

• Effortless and hands-off: Let your slow cooker do the work.
• Nutritious and filling: High in protein and fiber.
• Deep flavor: Slow cooking enhances the smoky ham and sweet vegetables.
• Perfect for meal prep: Easy to make in large batches.
• Family favorite: Both kids and adults love it.

Time, Servings & Nutrition

Feature	Details
Prep Time	15 minutes
Cook Time	6–8 hours (slow cooker)
Total Time	6–8 hours 15 minutes
Servings	6–8
Calories	~320 per serving
Cuisine	American / Comfort Food
Course	Main / Soup

Ingredients

• 2 cups dried split peas, rinsed and sorted
• 1 lb (450g) ham, diced (smoked or leftover ham works well)
• 1 large onion, diced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1–2 bay leaves
• 1 tsp dried thyme (or 1 tbsp fresh thyme)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Optional: 1 tbsp olive oil for sautéing
• Optional garnish: fresh parsley, croutons, or a drizzle of cream

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Prepare Ingredients

1. Rinse split peas and check for any stones.
2. Dice ham, onion, carrots, and celery. Mince garlic.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics (Optional but Recommended)

1. In a small skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
2. Sauté onion, garlic, carrots, and celery for 3–4 minutes until fragrant and slightly softened.

Step 3: Assemble in Slow Cooker

1. Add split peas, diced ham, sautéed vegetables (or raw if skipping sauté), bay leaves, thyme, salt, and pepper to the slow cooker.
2. Pour in broth and stir to combine.

Step 4: Slow Cook

1. Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours.
2. Stir occasionally if possible.
3. Check for tenderness; split peas should break down into a creamy texture. Remove bay leaves before serving.

Step 5: Adjust Seasoning

1. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or thyme as needed.
2. Optional: use an immersion blender for a smoother consistency, or leave slightly chunky for texture.

How to Serve

• Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley or a drizzle of cream.
• Pair with crusty bread, cornbread, or rolls.
• Add croutons for a crunchy topping.

Recipe Tips

• Soak peas overnight to reduce cooking time and aid digestion.
• Use leftover ham or smoked ham hocks for more flavor.
• Stir occasionally for even cooking.
• Remove excess fat from ham for a lighter soup.
• Thickens further as it cools—add extra broth when reheating if needed.

Variations

Variation	Description
Vegetarian	Replace ham with smoked paprika or liquid smoke, use vegetable broth.
Spicy	Add a pinch of cayenne or smoked chili flakes.
Herb Variation	Use rosemary, sage, or marjoram instead of thyme.
Chunky Style	Add diced potatoes or parsnips for extra texture.
Blended Smooth	Use an immersion blender for a creamy, velvety soup.

Freezing & Storage

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze in portions for up to 3 months.
• Reheat gently on stovetop or microwave; add extra broth if too thick.

Special Equipment Needed

• Slow cooker (crockpot)
• Knife and cutting board
• Optional: skillet for sautéing
• Immersion blender (optional for smooth soup)

FAQ

Q: Can I use green peas instead of split peas?
Green peas cook faster and won’t break down the same way; split peas are preferred for creamy texture.

Q: Can I use fresh ham instead of smoked ham?
Yes, but the smoky flavor will be milder. Consider adding a touch of smoked paprika.

Q: Can I cook on the stove instead of a slow cooker?
Yes, simmer in a large pot for 1.5–2 hours until peas are soft.

Q: Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes, omit ham and use vegetable broth with smoked paprika for flavor.

Conclusion

Slow Cooked Split Pea and Ham Soup is the ultimate comfort food—hearty, creamy, and packed with flavor. Perfect for a cozy meal on a chilly day or for batch cooking, this soup is nutritious, satisfying, and effortlessly delicious. With tender split peas, savory ham, and fragrant vegetables, it’s a classic recipe that brings warmth and satisfaction to every bowl.