Pea and Ham Soup in a Slow Cooker (Ham Hock)

There is nothing like pea and ham soup, especially when it is made in a slow cooker. This delicious and hearty meal is perfect for those chilly days when all you want is to enjoy a warm, flavorful bowl of soup.

It also has the added benefit of being incredibly easy to prepare, since all you need to do is throw the ingredients into the slow cooker and let them work their magic.

Pro Tip: If you are going to use the amount of meat and bone (3.3 pounds) I used in this batch of soup you will need to cook it for at least 10 hours on low!

Tips

Here are some helpful tips to make your slow cooker split pea and ham soup even better:

1. Use a ham bone and/or smoked ham hock: These cuts add a rich, smoky flavor to your soup.

2. Leftover ham: this soup is the perfect way to use up any leftover ham. Add the bone for extra flavor.

3. Rinse and sort the split peas: This removes any debris or dirt and ensures an even, smooth texture in your soup.

4. Use fresh vegetables and herbs: This adds extra layers of flavor and a pop of color to your dish.

5. Blend some of the liquid after removing the meat for a creamier texture.

This pea and ham soup slow cooker recipe is incredibly simple to prepare using these tips and ingredients, providing you with a warm, flavorful, and satisfying meal. Enjoy!

Stirring and Checking

Regardless of using a slow cooker or crock pot, it’s important not to remove the lid too often. Just peek inside once at the 6-hour mark and give the soup a gentle stir.

Not only does this help with cooking, but it also allows me to monitor the consistency and tenderness of the peas and ham.

Remember, during the cooking process, ham fat may rise to the surface, which is completely normal. You can skim it off if you prefer a leaner soup.

Ultimately, the pea and ham soup will be ready when it reaches a thick and satisfying consistency. By following these cooking methods, I’m able to create a delicious and hearty meal that’s perfect for those chilly days.

>>>>How to Convert Slow Cooker Times (Printable Download)

Serving and Storage

Serving Suggestions

I love split pea soup, and I find that good, crusty bread is a perfect accompaniment to this dish, as it helps soak up all those wonderful flavors.

You could also serve it with some light salads or steamed vegetables to round out your dinner meal.

Another option for a bit of extra nutrition is to top the soup with some vitamin C-rich chopped tomatoes and bell peppers.

Not only does this provide a beautiful contrast of colors, but it also introduces some great health benefits!

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have some leftover split pea soup, one of the most important things is to remove the ham bone before storing it.

Then, once the soup has cooled down, transfer it to an airtight container and place it in the fridge.

It should stay fresh for about three to four days, which gives you plenty of time to enjoy the delicious flavors again.

To reheat leftovers, simply place your desired serving in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. If your soup looks a little too thick, feel free to add some water or broth to reach your preferred consistency.

Freezing and Reheating

I often make a big batch of chunky pea and ham soup and freeze portions for future meals. To do this, let the soup cool down completely after cooking, and then ladle it into individual freezer-safe containers.

Be sure to leave some space at the top of each container for expansion, as the soup will expand when frozen. Seal the containers and store them in the freezer for up to three months.

When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen soup, transfer the container to the refrigerator overnight to thaw. You could also use the defrost setting on your microwave if you’re in a hurry.

After thawing, place the soup in a saucepan and warm it over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. And just like with reheating leftovers, adjust the consistency by adding water or broth as needed.

Let me teach you how to freeze homemade soup the right way!

Health Benefits and Nutrition

Health Benefits of Peas and Ham

When I think about my favorite slow cooker recipes, pea, and ham soup always comes to mind. Not only is it delicious and comforting, but it’s also loaded with nutritional benefits.

Let’s dig into some of the health benefits of peas and ham. One of the main health benefits of peas is their high fiber content.

Fiber is essential for maintaining a healthy digestive system, and can also help to lower cholesterol levels.

Peas are also a good source of vitamin C, an antioxidant that is important for a strong immune system and healthy skin. They are low in fat and calories, making them an excellent ingredient for those watching their weight.

Now, let’s talk about ham. While it’s true that ham can be high in saturated fat, it also provides some valuable nutrients, such as protein and iron.

Protein is essential for maintaining and repairing muscle tissue, while iron is important for carrying oxygen throughout our bodies.

Nutrition Information

Of course, you’re curious about the nutrition information for our slow cooker pea and ham soup! In general, a typical 1-cup serving of the cooker split pea soup with ham contains approximately 220 calories, with about 32 of those coming from fat.

Saturated fat, the same 1-cup serving may have around 1 gram, as well as 15 milligrams of cholesterol. You can always choose a leaner cut of ham or use less of it to reduce the saturated fat content if you’re concerned about it.

Vitamin C, a 1-cup serving of pea and ham soup can provide around 12% of the recommended daily intake for adults. This comes mostly from the peas, but other ingredients, such as onions and carrots, can also contribute to the vitamin C content.

Overall, slow cooker pea and ham soup is both a tasty and nutritious option for those busy days when I need a warm, comforting meal.

The combination of high-fiber peas, protein-rich ham, and antioxidant-packed vitamin C makes it a winner in my book.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to thicken pea and ham soup?

To thicken pea and ham soup, I usually like to use a little cornstarch mixed with water. Simply mix about 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch with an equal amount of cold water, then slowly stir it into the soup. Let the soup cook for a few more minutes on low, and it should thicken nicely.

Let me teach you how to thicken soups in a slow cooker or crockpot.

Why is my soup watery?

If your soup turns out watery, it could be because there was too much liquid added or not enough time for the ingredients to cook down and thicken. To fix this, I recommend either reducing the amount of liquid used in the recipe or increasing the cooking time to allow the soup to reduce and thicken.

How to make it creamier?

To make your pea and ham soup creamier, I like to use a handheld immersion blender or a countertop blender to partially blend the cooked peas carrots, and vegetables. This will give the soup a smooth, creamy consistency without changing its flavor. Be sure to let the soup cool slightly before blending to avoid any accidents.

Can I use a ham hock?

Yes, using a ham hock provides a wonderful flavor to the soup. Many slow cooker pea and ham soup recipes recommend adding a ham hock during the slow cooking process. Once the soup is finished cooking, simply remove the ham hock, shred the meat, and return it to the soup.

How to reduce gas in slow cooker pea soup?

To reduce gas in pea soup, I suggest soaking the peas overnight before cooking. This helps to break down the complex sugars in the peas, which can cause gas and bloating. Be sure to drain and rinse the peas thoroughly before adding them to the soup.

Vegetarian alternative options?

For a vegetarian alternative, try using, dried beans smoked tofu, or tempeh in place of the ham. Additionally, replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth to maintain the savory flavor of the split pea soup. There are also plenty of delicious vegetarian split pea soup recipes available to try.

Wrapping Up: Slow Cooker Pea Soup

One of the reasons I’m such a fan of this hearty soup recipe is that it is pure comfort food and the incredible aroma that fills my home as the soup simmers away in the slow cooker.

The rich, savory scent of ham gently wafts through the air, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere.

Plus, the tender peas and vegetables meld together to create a satisfying, nutritious, and mouthwatering dish that the whole family will enjoy.

One-Pot Cooking Rocks!