Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup

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Winter brings with it a bone-chilling cold that seeps into your very core, leaving you yearning for warmth and comfort. And what could be more comforting than a steaming bowl of slow cooker split pea soup? Its thick, velvety texture and rich flavors have the power to transport you to a cozy haven, where chilly days are forgotten and all that matters is the nourishing delight in your hands.

As a kid growing up, my mom cooked lentils, beans, and legumes all the time. We had it in curries, patties, or soups at least once a week. Back then, mom had these in the pantry, so there was always something to cook.

These are not just delicious but also nutritious! The slow cooking process allows these nutrients to be released and absorbed more efficiently, resulting in a nourishing and satisfying meal. You enhance the soup’s flavor and nutritional value by simmering them with aromatic vegetables, herbs, and spices.

Nutritional Benefits of Split Peas

Slow cooker split pea soup not only warms you up on a cold winter day, but it also provides a nourishing elixir of essential nutrients. The nutritional benefits of split peas make this soup not just a delicious and comforting dish, but also a wholesome addition to your diet.

• Split peas, a type of legume, are high in protein, fiber, and various vitamins and minerals. They are a particularly good source of plant-based protein, making them an excellent choice for vegetarians and vegans. A single cup of cooked split peas contains about 16 grams of protein, providing you with the necessary building blocks for repairing and maintaining your body’s tissues.
• In addition to protein, split peas are packed with dietary fiber. Fiber is essential for maintaining a healthy digestive system and promoting regular bowel movements. It can also help lower cholesterol levels and regulate blood sugar levels, making it beneficial for individuals with diabetes or heart disease. Just one cup of cooked split peas provides approximately 16 grams of fiber, which is over half of the recommended daily intake for adults.
• Split peas are also rich in vitamins and minerals that are crucial for overall health and well-being. They contain significant amounts of potassium, magnesium, iron, and folate. Potassium helps regulate blood pressure and maintain proper heart function, while magnesium supports bone health and plays a role in muscle and nerve function. Iron is essential for carrying oxygen throughout the body, and folate is particularly important for pregnant women, as it aids in fetal development.

Ingredients and substitutes

• First and foremost, the star of the show is the split peas themselves. These legumes add a creamy and velvety texture to the soup while imparting a rich, earthy flavor. However, if you prefer a different legume or have dietary restrictions, you can easily substitute the split peas with lentils or even chickpeas. Each legume brings its own unique taste profile, so feel free to experiment and discover your favorite variation.
• Onions and celery serve as the flavor backbone of this soup, providing a delightful sweetness and depth. If you’re not a fan of onions, you can substitute them with leeks for a milder flavor or shallots for a subtle twist. For those with celery allergies or simply seeking variety, you can replace them with sweet potatoes or parsnips to add a touch of sweetness and complexity.
• To enhance the aromatic nature of the soup, the recipe typically includes garlic, bay leaves, and thyme. While these ingredients contribute to the overall taste, you can personalize the flavors by experimenting with other herbs and spices. Consider adding a sprig of rosemary or a pinch of cumin to introduce a different dimension to your soup. Get creative and let your taste buds guide you.
• Regarding the choice of stock, it’s common to use vegetable or chicken stock to infuse the soup with a rich and savory taste. However, for vegetarians or vegans, vegetable stock is the obvious choice. You can also opt for a mushroom stock to give the soup an earthy undertone.
• A sharp cheese with a distinct flavor, such as parmesan and cheddar helps enhance the flavors. And yes, you can substitute it with any other hard cheese or vegetarian varieties too..
• Lastly, the selection of meat in this recipe adds hearty protein and depth of flavor. Traditional recipes often call for ham hocks or bacon, which lend a smoky and salty note to the soup. However, if you prefer a vegetarian or leaner option, you can leave the meat altogether or substitute it with smoked paprika or liquid smoke for that smoky flavor.

Slow cooker split pea soup

• Split peas – Sort and wash the split peas. Drain and set aside.
  Pro tip – time permitting soak the split peas in warm water for 30 minutes to an hour. This softens the grains and makes a wonderfully creamy soup.
• Add all slow cooker ingredients into the slow cooker. Split peas, onion, garlic, celery, parsley, bay leaves, and thyme. Season with salt and pepper. Add the broth or stock – stir well making sure all the ingredients are distributed well.
• Cover the slow cooker and set to cook on low for 5 to 6 hours. When you open the slow cooker, remove the bay leaves and thyme sprig.
  Pro tip – I like an almost smooth and creamy consistency so I do 8 hours overnight
• Blend soup- For a wholesome texture use a potato masher to mash all the ingredients.- For a smooth soup use a hand blender (this is what I do).
• Combine the cornstarch and milk then add it to the soup. Combine well and continue to cook for 30 minutes on high.
  Pro tip – the cornstarch will prevent the milk from curdling in the soup.
• Finally, add the cheddar cheese – stir until well combined. Check and adjust seasoning.
• Serve garnished with more cheese or some whipped cream (optional).

Tips for Making Split Pea Soup:

1. Rinse your peas: Before adding the split peas to the slow cooker, it’s important to rinse them thoroughly. This will help remove any dirt or debris that may be present, ensuring a clean and delicious soup.
2. Soak the peas (optional): While not necessary, soaking the split peas overnight can help soften them and reduce the cooking time. If you need more time, you can skip this step and still achieve great results.
3. Add the right amount of liquid: Split peas absorb a lot of liquid as they cook, so adding enough water or broth is crucial. As a general rule of thumb, aim for 4 cups of fluid ratio for every 1 cup of split peas. You can constantly adjust the consistency later by adding more liquid if needed.
4. Make sure to skimp on the aromatics: To enhance the flavor of your split pea soup, be generous with your aromatics. Onions, garlic, carrots, and celery are classic additions that add depth and richness to the soup. Consider sautéing them briefly before adding them to the slow cooker for even more flavor.
5. Season to taste: Split pea soup can be quite hearty, but don’t forget to season it to your liking. Salt and pepper are a given, but you can also experiment with other herbs and spices like thyme, bay leaves, or smoked paprika for a twist

Creative ways to make split pea soup

• One option is to add some smoky goodness to your soup. Consider adding a few strips of bacon or smoked ham hock to the pot while your soup simmers. The smoky flavors will permeate the soup and provide an irresistible depth of flavor. Alternatively, you can try adding some smoked paprika or chipotle powder to achieve a similar effect without the meat.
• If you’re a fan of spice, consider incorporating some heat into your split pea soup. Adding a pinch or two of cayenne pepper or a diced jalapeño can kick your soup and contrast the creamy texture. Remember to taste and adjust the spice level to suit your preferences.
• You can also experiment with herbs and aromatic vegetables for a fresh twist. Adding a handful of fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley can brighten up the flavors and provide a fragrant aroma. Additionally, sautéing some onions, carrots, and celery before adding them to the soup can create a delicious base for the dish.
• Another creative way to make split pea soup is to incorporate different vegetables or proteins. You can add chunks of cooked chicken, diced ham, or even leftover roast beef for a heartier soup. You can also experiment with vegetables like sweet potatoes, butternut squash, or mushrooms to add depth and variety to the soup.
• By trying out these creative ways to make split pea soup, you can take this humble dish to new heights of flavor and enjoyment. So go ahead and have fun in the kitchen, experimenting with different ingredients and techniques to create a split pea soup that is uniquely yours. Now that you have a few ideas to get started, let’s move on to answering some frequently asked questions about split pea soup.,

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Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup

Author: Veena Azmanov

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Prep Time: 10 minutes mins

Cook Time: 5 hours hrs

Total Time: 5 hours hrs 10 minutes mins

Calories: 285kcal

Adjust Servings Here: 8 servings

Description

Winter brings with it a bone-chilling cold that seeps into your very core, leaving you yearning for warmth and comfort. And what could be more comforting than a steaming bowl of slow cooker split pea soup? Its thick, velvety texture and rich flavors can transport you to a cozy haven where chilly days are forgotten and all that matters is the nourishing delight in your hands.

Ingredients 

1x2x3x

Slow Cooker

• ▢ 2 cups (400 g) Dried split peas (Yellow (or green))
• ▢ 2 tbsp Olive oil
• ▢ 1 clove Garlic (medium)
• ▢ 2 Bay leaves
• ▢ ½ tsp Thyme
• ▢ ½ cup Celery (finely chopped)
• ▢ ½ cup Onions (finely chopped)
• ▢ 1 tsp Salt
• ▢ ½ tsp  Pepper
• ▢ ¼ cup Parsley (finely chopped)
• ▢ 4 cups (1 Liter) Stock

Plus

• ▢ 1 cup (250 ml) Milk
• ▢ 1  tsp  Cornstarch
• ▢ ½ cup Cheddar (optional)

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Instructions

• Split peas – Sort and wash the split peas. Drain and set aside.

  Pro tip – time permitting soak the split peas in warm water for 30 minutes to an hour. This softens the grains and makes a wonderfully creamy soup.
  2 cups Dried split peas
• Add all slow cooker ingredients into the slow cooker. Split peas, onion, garlic, celery, parsley, bay leaves, and thyme. Season with salt and pepper. Add the broth or stock – stir well making sure all the ingredients are distributed well.
  2 tbsp Olive oil, 1 clove Garlic, 2 Bay leaves, ½ tsp Thyme, ½ cup Celery, ½ cup Onions, 1 tsp Salt, ½ tsp  Pepper, ¼ cup Parsley, 4 cups Stock
• Cover the slow cooker and set to cook on low for 5 to 6 hours. When you open the slow cooker, remove the bay leaves and thyme sprig.

  Pro tip – I like an almost smooth and creamy consistency so I do 8 hours overnight
• Blend soup

  – For a wholesome texture use a potato masher to mash all the ingredients.

  – For a smooth soup use a hand blender (this is what I do).
• Combine the cornstarch and milk then add it to the soup. Combine well and continue to cook for 30 minutes on high.

  Pro tip – the cornstarch will prevent the milk from curdling in the soup.
  1 cup Milk, 1  tsp  Cornstarch
• Finally, add the cheddar cheese – stir until well combined. Check and adjust seasoning.
  1/2 cup Cheddar
• Serve garnished with more cheese or some whipped cream (optional).

Recipe Notes & Tips

• Rinse your peas: Before adding the split peas to the slow cooker, it’s important to rinse them thoroughly. This will help remove any dirt or debris that may be present, ensuring a clean and delicious soup.
• Soak the peas (optional): While not necessary, soaking the split peas overnight can help soften them and reduce the cooking time. If you need more time, you can skip this step and still achieve great results.
• Add the right amount of liquid: Split peas absorb a lot of liquid as they cook, so adding enough water or broth is crucial. As a general rule of thumb, aim for 4 cups of fluid ratio for every 1 cup of split peas. You can constantly adjust the consistency later by adding more liquid if needed.
• Make sure to skimp on the aromatics: To enhance the flavor of your split pea soup, be generous with your aromatics. Onions, garlic, carrots, and celery are classic additions that add depth and richness to the soup. Consider sautéing them briefly before adding them to the slow cooker for even more flavor.
• Season to taste: Split pea soup can be quite hearty, but don’t forget to season it to your liking. Salt and pepper are a given, but you can also experiment with other herbs and spices like thyme, bay leaves, or smoked paprika for a twist

Conversions Used

1 lb = 453 grams, 1 cup = 240 ml, 1 stick = 113g, 1 tbsp= 15 ml, 1 tsp= 5 ml,

Nutrition Information

Calories: 285– kcalCarbohydrates: 42– gProtein: 18– gFat: 6– gSaturated Fat: 2– gCholesterol: 10– mgSodium: 1025– mgPotassium: 721– mgFiber: 15– gSugar: 7– gVitamin A: 705– IUVitamin C: 5.5– mgCalcium: 245– mgIron: 5.8– mg

The nutrition information and metric conversion are calculated automatically. I cannot guarantee its accuracy. If this data is important to you please verify with your trusted nutrition calculator. Thank you

Did you make this recipe? Share it with me.Tag @veenaazmanov on instagram or #hashtag it #veenaazmanov

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