There’s something uniquely comforting about a bowl of Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup, especially when itβs crafted with love and care. π₯£ This hearty, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying soup is perfect for those chilly days when you crave something warm and nourishing. Imagine the delightful aroma that will fill your kitchen as this soup simmers gently in your slow cooker, creating a symphony of flavors that meld together beautifully. πΏπ₯
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 7 hours
Total Time: 7 hours 15 minutes
| Step | Time |
|---|---|
| Prep | 15 minutes |
| Cook | 7 hours |
| Total | 7 hours 15 minutes |
Ingredients
- 7 cups water π§
- 1 teaspoon salt π§
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper πΆοΈ
- 3 carrots, sliced π₯
- 2 stalks of celery, chopped π₯
- 1 onion, chopped π§
- 1 pound split peas π’
- 1 pound ham shanks π
Detailed Instructions
-
Preparation of Ingredients:
Start by gathering all your fresh ingredients. Wash the carrots and celery thoroughly. Peel the carrots and chop them into thin slices, about 1/4 inch thick. Chop the celery stalks into small pieces, roughly the same size as the carrot slices. Next, peel and finely chop the onion. Measure out your split peas, ensuring they are rinsed and free from any small stones or debris. π₯π§ π’ -
Combining Ingredients in the Slow Cooker:
Take your trusty 5-quart slow cooker and begin by adding 7 cups of water. This will be the base for your soup, providing the necessary liquid to cook the peas and other vegetables. Now, add the salt and pepper to the water, giving it a gentle stir to ensure they dissolve. π§π§ -
Adding Vegetables:
Carefully add the sliced carrots, chopped celery, and onion into the slow cooker. These vegetables will not only add wonderful flavors but also bring a lovely texture to your soup. Stir everything together gently to combine. π₯π₯π§ -
Incorporating Split Peas and Ham Shanks:
Add the rinsed split peas to the mixture. The peas will gradually break down during the cooking process, creating a creamy and thick base for your soup. Now, it’s time to nestle the ham shanks into the mixture. These will impart a rich, smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with the earthy split peas. π’π -
Cooking the Soup:
Cover your slow cooker with the lid and set it to cook on low heat for 8 to 10 hours, or on high heat for 6 to 7 hours. The long, slow cooking process allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully, and the split peas to soften and break down into a creamy consistency. πΏπ₯ -
Handling the Ham Shanks:
Once the cooking time is complete, carefully remove the ham shanks from the slow cooker and place them on a cutting board. Using two forks, pull the meat from the bones, discarding any skin and bones. Shred the meat into bite-sized pieces and return it to the slow cooker. Stir the ham into the soup until it is well combined. ππ -
Final Stir and Serving:
Give the soup one final stir to ensure all the ingredients are evenly distributed. Ladle the soup into bowls, and serve it hot. The hearty, comforting flavors of the split peas, vegetables, and ham make this soup a perfect meal on its own, but it can also be complemented with a slice of crusty bread or a fresh salad. π₯£π
Tips for Perfect Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup
- Vegetable Variety: Feel free to experiment with additional vegetables such as potatoes, parsnips, or leeks. Each will add its unique flavor and texture to the soup. π₯π₯¬
- Seasoning: Adjust the seasoning to your taste. You might find that you need a bit more salt or pepper, depending on your preference and the saltiness of your ham shanks. πΆοΈπ§
- Thickening the Soup: If you prefer a thicker soup, you can blend a portion of it using an immersion blender. Simply blend until you reach the desired consistency. For a thinner soup, add a bit more water or broth. π₯π²
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 210 kcal
- Fat: 0.8 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.1 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Sodium: 329.8 mg
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 15.5 g
- Sugars: 6.4 g
- Protein: 14.4 g
Serving Suggestions
This Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many ways:
- Crusty Bread: Serve with a slice of freshly baked crusty bread to soak up the delicious broth. π₯
- Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette can provide a refreshing contrast to the hearty soup. π₯
- Toppings: Add a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or thyme, or even some crunchy croutons for extra texture and flavor. πΏπ§
Storing and Reheating
- Storing: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This soup also freezes well. Place it in freezer-safe containers or bags, and it will keep for up to 3 months. βοΈπ²
- Reheating: Reheat the soup gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, until it is warmed through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave. For best results, stir halfway through heating to ensure even warming. π₯π²
Fun Variations
- Vegetarian Version: Omit the ham shanks and use vegetable broth instead of water. Add more vegetables like potatoes or mushrooms to enhance the flavor and texture. π±π
- Spicy Kick: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeΓ±os for a spicy version of this classic soup. πΆοΈπ₯
- Herb Infusion: Add fresh or dried herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or bay leaves during the cooking process for an extra layer of flavor. Just remember to remove any whole herbs before serving. πΏπΌ
Creating this Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup is more than just a cooking process; it’s an experience that brings warmth and comfort to your home. As the soup simmers away, filling your kitchen with its enticing aroma, you’ll find yourself anticipating that first spoonful of delicious, hearty goodness. Whether you’re making this soup for a family meal, a cozy dinner for two, or as a comforting dish to enjoy throughout the week, it’s sure to become a beloved staple in your culinary repertoire. ππ²
Enjoy every step of preparing and savoring this delightful Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup, and let it bring a smile to your face and warmth to your heart. Happy cooking! ππ½οΈ
