Split pea soup, a classic comfort food, is incredibly easy to make in a slow cooker. This method allows the peas to soften beautifully, resulting in a creamy, flavorful soup that's perfect for a chilly evening. This recipe provides a delicious base, and you can easily customize it to your preferences with additional vegetables, spices, or meats.
What Makes This Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup Recipe Special?
This recipe focuses on simplicity and maximizing flavor. We'll use readily available ingredients and a slow cooking method that unlocks the inherent deliciousness of split peas. The result is a rich, satisfying soup that requires minimal effort and yields maximum taste.
Ingredients You'll Need:
- 1 cup dried green split peas, rinsed
- 6 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth for a richer flavor)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional additions: 1 cup diced ham, smoked sausage, or bacon; 1/2 cup chopped potatoes; 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley for garnish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
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Combine ingredients: Add the rinsed split peas, broth, onion, carrots, celery, garlic, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf to your slow cooker. Season generously with salt and pepper. If using optional additions like ham, sausage, potatoes, or bacon, add them now.
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Slow cook: Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the split peas are very tender and the soup has thickened. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
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Blend (optional): For a creamier soup, carefully transfer a portion of the soup to a blender and blend until smooth. Return the blended soup to the slow cooker and stir to combine. Caution: Always vent the blender lid and use caution when blending hot liquids.
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Serve: Remove the bay leaf before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired. Serve hot with crusty bread.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use pre-soaked split peas?
Yes, pre-soaking the split peas can reduce the cooking time. Soak them in cold water for at least 4 hours, or overnight. Drain the soaking water before adding them to the slow cooker. Reduce the cooking time by about 1-2 hours.
What if my soup is too thick?
Simply add more broth, a little at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
What if my soup is too thin?
Continue cooking the soup uncovered for a longer period to allow some of the liquid to evaporate. Alternatively, you can simmer it on the stovetop after the slow cooking process.
Can I freeze this soup?
Yes! This soup freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before storing it in airtight containers in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Can I make this soup in an Instant Pot?
Yes, you can adapt this recipe for an Instant Pot. Use the manual/pressure cook setting for about 20-25 minutes, followed by a natural pressure release.
Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup:
- Don't over-season: Start with a moderate amount of salt and pepper, and taste before adding more. You can always add more seasoning, but you can't take it away.
- Use good quality broth: The flavor of your broth will significantly impact the overall taste of the soup.
- Experiment with spices: Feel free to add other spices like cumin, smoked paprika, or even a pinch of cayenne pepper for a bit of heat.
- Add some acidity: A squeeze of lemon juice or a splash of vinegar at the end can brighten the flavors.
This slow cooker split pea soup recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy a comforting and flavorful meal with minimal effort. Enjoy!
