Let me tell you-there’s something irresistibly comforting about a steaming bowl of soup that’s been slowly simmering all day, filling your kitchen with a warm, inviting aroma. Yellow split pea and ham soup is a classic example of this. It’s hearty, nourishing, and packed with flavors that are both rich and subtly sweet. What makes it even better? Using a slow cooker!
The slow cooker transforms humble ingredients like yellow split peas, ham, and vegetables into a velvety, deeply flavorful soup that practically tastes like it took all day to make, even though it’s mostly hands-off. Whether you’re making it for a busy weeknight dinner, meal prepping for the week, or just craving that perfect cozy comfort food, this recipe has you covered.
Yellow Split Pea And Ham Soup Slow Cooker Recipe
Here’s a recipe that feels like a hug in a bowl. The slow cooker does the magic here, letting the flavors meld beautifully while you go about your day. By the time you return, your soup is thick, creamy, and packed with savory goodness.
Ingredients Needed
Here’s the breakdown of everything you’ll need. Don’t worry-these are simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that probably already live in your kitchen:
- Yellow split peas – 1 ½ cups, rinsed and sorted
- Ham – 2 cups, diced (leftovers work perfectly)
- Carrots – 2 medium, diced or sliced
- Celery – 2 stalks, chopped
- Onion – 1 medium, finely chopped
- Garlic – 2 cloves, minced
- Potatoes – 2 medium, diced (optional, for extra heartiness)
- Bay leaves – 2, for depth of flavor
- Thyme – 1 teaspoon dried or a few sprigs fresh
- Chicken or vegetable broth – 6 cups
- Salt and pepper – to taste
- Olive oil or butter – 1 tablespoon, optional for sautéing veggies first
- Fresh parsley – for garnish, optional but recommended
Cooking Instructions
Here’s how to bring it all together, step by step:
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Prep The Split Peas
- Rinse them thoroughly under cold water and remove any debris. Unlike green split peas, yellow split peas tend to break down faster, giving a naturally creamy texture.
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Sauté Vegetables (optional But Recommended)
- In a small skillet, heat olive oil or butter. Sauté onions, garlic, carrots, and celery until fragrant and slightly softened. This step enhances flavor and depth.
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Combine In Slow Cooker
- Add the sautéed vegetables (or raw if skipping sauté), rinsed split peas, diced ham, potatoes, bay leaves, thyme, and broth to the slow cooker.
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Cook Low And Slow
- Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the peas are tender and the soup has thickened. Stir occasionally if possible.
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Season And Serve
- Remove bay leaves and thyme sprigs if used. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley.
Ingredient Insights
Let’s talk about why each ingredient matters:
- Yellow split peas – Naturally creamy when cooked; they break down beautifully, giving the soup body without added cream.
- Ham – Provides a smoky, salty depth that makes the soup irresistible. Leftover ham is perfect here.
- Carrots & Celery – Classic mirepoix ingredients that add subtle sweetness and aromatic notes.
- Onion & Garlic – The backbone of flavor; sautéing them intensifies the soup’s richness.
- Bay leaves & Thyme – Add complexity and an earthy undertone.
- Potatoes – Optional but they thicken the soup and add extra comfort.
- Broth – Using a good-quality broth makes a noticeable difference in flavor.
Expert Tips
- No soaking needed – Unlike other legumes, yellow split peas cook perfectly without soaking.
- Avoid overcooking – Split peas will naturally thicken the soup; watch consistency near the end.
- Balance salt – If your ham is salty, wait until the end to add extra salt.
- Creamy texture hack – For an ultra-smooth texture, use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup before serving.
- Make ahead – This soup tastes even better the next day as flavors continue to meld.
Recipe Variations
Want to shake things up? Here are a few creative spins:
- Spicy Kick – Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika for a subtle heat.
- Vegetarian Version – Skip the ham, use vegetable broth, and add smoked paprika for that smoky depth.
- Herbal Twist – Experiment with rosemary or sage for a different aromatic profile.
- Chunky Style – Keep some peas whole and dice ham extra large for a more rustic feel.
- Cheesy Comfort – Stir in shredded cheddar or Parmesan just before serving.
Final Words
Yellow split pea and ham soup is one of those recipes that feels like it was meant to be slow-cooked. It’s hearty, wholesome, and forgiving, allowing for variations based on what you have on hand. The best part? It’s practically effortless. A slow cooker does the hard work while you go about your day, and the reward is a soup that’s rich in flavor and soul-satisfying.
FAQs
Can I Make Yellow Split Pea And Ham Soup In A Slow Cooker Without Pre-soaking The Peas?
Yes, yellow split peas do not require soaking before cooking. They soften relatively quickly in a slow cooker, typically within 6-8 hours on low heat. Soaking can slightly reduce cooking time but is not necessary.
What Type Of Ham Is Best For This Slow Cooker Soup?
A ham hock, smoked ham bone, or leftover cooked ham works best. Ham hocks impart a rich, smoky flavor and also provide natural gelatin, which adds body to the soup. Avoid uncooked, fresh ham as it may not develop enough flavor.
How Long Should I Cook Yellow Split Pea And Ham Soup In A Slow Cooker?
Cooking typically takes 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. Low heat is preferred for better flavor development and even softening of the peas.
Can I Use Canned Ham Instead Of A Ham Bone Or Hock?
Yes, but canned or pre-cooked ham may result in a less intense flavor. You can compensate by adding smoked paprika or a small amount of liquid smoke to enhance the smokiness.
Should I Add Vegetables To The Soup, And Which Ones Work Best?
Yes, vegetables like carrots, celery, and onions are traditional and complement the flavors. Garlic, leeks, and potatoes can also be added for more texture and depth.
Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian Or Vegan?
You can make a vegetarian version by omitting the ham and using vegetable broth. For added depth, consider smoked paprika or liquid smoke to mimic the smoky flavor of ham.
How Can I Prevent The Soup From Becoming Too Thick?
If the soup thickens too much during cooking, gradually add water or broth until you reach the desired consistency. Stir occasionally to prevent the peas from sticking to the bottom.
Is It Safe To Leave Yellow Split Pea And Ham Soup In The Slow Cooker On Warm After Cooking?
Yes, keeping the soup on the ’warm’ setting for 1-2 hours is generally safe. Avoid leaving it on warm for extended periods beyond 4 hours to prevent overcooking and potential food safety issues.
Can I Freeze Yellow Split Pea And Ham Soup?
Yes, this soup freezes well. Cool it completely before transferring to airtight containers. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a little water or broth if needed to restore texture.
How Can I Enhance The Flavor Of Yellow Split Pea And Ham Soup In A Slow Cooker?
Use a combination of smoked ham, fresh vegetables, aromatic herbs (like thyme or bay leaf), and seasonings such as black pepper. Sautéing onions, garlic, and carrots before adding them to the slow cooker can also deepen the flavor.