Slow-Cooker Split Pea Soup
The split pea soup is another popular recipe that makes up American cuisine. People usually make it during the cold season, but you can actually enjoy it at any time of the year. What’s more fascinating about this dish is that, by using a slow-cooker, you can literally throw in all the ingredients and leave it while it cooks. This allows you to do other household chores and cook lunch at the same time.
For those of you who are not familiar with split pea soup, it is made with split peas and ham or even ham bones. Those leftovers won’t go to waste!
What Are Split Peas?
These are field peas that come in a variety of green or yellow. They are usually grown for drying. They are peeled, and as the term suggests, they are split in half. It’s the green one that is used most of the time for split pea soup.
Are They Healthy?
Both green and yellow split peas are beneficial for your health. They are high in protein and fiber. They also contain lots of vitamins and minerals. Plus, they are low in fats.
According to studies, split peas can help lower cholesterol levels, reduce the risk of cancer, helps treat digestive disorders, promotes weight loss, improves heart health, and regulates blood sugar. Amazing, right?
Now, here is how you can make a hearty split pea soup with a slow-cooker:
PrintSlow-Cooker Split Pea Soup
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- Author: Myles
- Total Time: 5 hours and 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 1x
Description
With a combination of split peas, ham bone, and other veggies, you can have a warm, flavorful, and very satisfying soup.
Ingredients
2 cups split peas
1 ham bone
6 cups chicken broth (low-sodium)
2 medium carrots (peeled and chopped)
2 stalks celery (chopped)
3 sprigs thyme
1 large onion (diced)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1 teaspoon ginger (ground)
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (crushed)
salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Put all the ingredients into the slow cooker.
- Set on high and cook for about 5 hours or until the split peas are soft.
- Shred the meat and get rid of the bone.
- Serve.
Notes
If you prefer cooking on low, it may take you about 6 to 8 hours. When serving, you can top a bowl of split pea soup with some croutons.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 hours
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow cooking
- Cuisine: American
Using a slow-cooker makes everything so much easier. You may opt to set it on low in the morning before you go to work, and it should be done just in time for dinner. Or, if you intend to have your soup for lunch, you can start cooking it the night before.
If you don’t have a slow-cooker, no worries, you can still make this soup on a stovetop. The only downside is that you’d have to monitor it from time to time.
Closing Thoughts
It may take quite some time to make split pea soup. But the wait is definitely worth it. And besides, if you are utilizing a slow-cooker, you don’t have to watch it all throughout. Simply set it up and off you go.
Do you want to make this suitable for vegetarians? All you have to do is to eliminate the ham bone and make use of vegetable broth instead. That should do it!