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–+ servings
spoonful of soup with green onions

Slow Cooker Split Pea and Ham Soup

Kitchen Ready Betty
With diced carrots, celery, ham, split peas and a TON of smoky depth and flavor, this homemade healthy soup is a big bowl of yum.
When the soup cooks on low all day, there's no need to do any prep work with the split peas. Rinse them, then add them to the pot UNSOAKED, along with all the prepped ingredients and let the slow cooker work its magic. 
5 from 1 vote
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 7 hours
Total Time 7 hours 15 minutes
Course Main Dishes, Soups
Servings 6

Equipment

  • colander
  • cutting board
  • chef's knife
  • garlic press
  • measuring cups
  • measuring spoons
  • 6 quart slow cooker (well greased or lined)
  • ladle

Ingredients
  

  • 20 oz split peas I like Hurst HamPeas, which come with a seasoning packet
  • 2 cups carrots chopped
  • 1 cup celery chopped
  • 2 cups ham cubed; I like hardwood smoked ham steaks
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • ½ teaspoon onion salt may use ½ chopped white onion instead
  • 1 teaspoon ground pepper
  • ½ teaspoon rosemary may substitute with thyme
  • 4 cups low sodium chicken broth
  • 3 cups water
  • 1 bay leaf optional for additional flavor
  • green onions/chives and parsley optional garnish when serving

Instructions
 

  • Thoroughly rinse split peas. *see notes regarding peas and soaking
  • Add split peas, chopped carrots and celery to slow cooker.
  • Next add the ham, minced garlic and all the seasonings--including the seasoning packet if using Hurst brand.
  • Pour in chicken broth and water.
  • Cover and cook on low for 7 hours.
  • Stir to fully incorporate broken down split peas. Add more broth (1 cup at a time) if desired to thin soup.
  • Remove bay leaf (if using) and ladle soup into bowls. Garnish with scallions, chives and/or parsley if desired.

Notes

While it's recommended that you cook the soup on low for 7 hours, you can cook it on high for 3-4 hours. If you choose to cook on high, you will need to soak the peas overnight in water. Drain and rinse before adding to the pot.
You can use any brand of split peas, but pay attention to the size on the packaging. Hurst HamPeas (which are recommended for this recipe) come in a 20 oz bag, while most other brands are sold in a 16 oz bag. If you use a 16 oz bag instead, reduce the water in the crockpot by 2 cups.
Refrigerate leftovers for up to 5 days. Soup can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
 
 
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