Hearty Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup Recipe
Recipe Overview
Welcome to our easy Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup recipe, a hearty, comforting dish perfect for chilly days. This delightful blend of split peas and vegetables emerges from the slow cooker as a warm embrace for your taste buds. Originating from humble beginnings, split pea soup has been a staple in many households since the ancient days, providing nourishment and satisfaction.
What makes this homemade Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup so special? It’s not only simple to prepare but also fully customizable – whether you’re a meat lover or a dedicated vegan, there’s a variation just for you! This vegan Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup is filled with protein, fiber, and rich flavors that will keep you coming back for seconds. Let’s dive into this scrumptious recipe!
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6 to 8 hours on low or 3 to 4 hours on high
Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes (or 3 hours 15 minutes on high)
Serving Size: 6 servings
Ingredients Section
For the Soup Base:
- 1 1/2 cups dried split peas, rinsed and drained
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 6 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth, for non-vegans)
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Optional Add-Ins:
- 1 cup diced potatoes for extra heartiness
- 1 cup chopped kale or spinach for added greens
- 1-2 tablespoons lemon juice for brightness
Possible Ingredient Swaps:
- Use almond or coconut milk instead of dairy for a creamier texture.
- Substitute fresh herbs like parsley or dill for dried herbs to enhance the flavor.
Equipment List
- Slow cooker (Crock-Pot)
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Bullet blender or immersion blender (optional, for a creamier texture)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables: Start by washing and dicing your onion, carrots, and celery into small, uniform pieces. This ensures even cooking and enhances the overall texture of your soup.
- Combine Ingredients: In your slow cooker, add the rinsed split peas, diced onion, carrots, celery, and minced garlic. Pour in the vegetable broth, making sure everything is covered. Consider adding the diced potatoes if you prefer a heartier soup.
- Season it Right: Toss in the bay leaf, dried thyme, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Stir everything gently with a wooden spoon to combine, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.
- Set Your Slow Cooker: Cover the slow cooker with the lid and set it to low for 6 to 8 hours or high for 3 to 4 hours. As it cooks, the peas will soften and break down, creating a creamy texture.
- Check for Creaminess: After the cooking period is over, remove the bay leaf and stir the soup vigorously or use an immersion blender to achieve your preferred consistency. If you like a thicker soup, blend a portion of it before returning it to the pot.
- Add Fresh Touch: For a bright finish, squeeze in fresh lemon juice and add chopped kale or spinach if desired. Stir until the greens wilt and the soup is infused with flavor.
- Final Seasoning: Taste your soup and adjust the seasonings with more salt, pepper, or herbs as necessary. Let it sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to develop.
- Serve Warm: Ladle the soup into bowls and enjoy the delightful aroma wafting from this comforting dish. Consider topping it with crusty bread or croutons for added texture.
Special Notes
Storage: This soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To freeze, portion the soup in freezer-safe containers and it will keep for up to 2-3 months.
Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding splash of vegetable broth or water to loosen the consistency if it has thickened during storage.
Troubleshooting: If the soup is too thick, you can add 1-2 tablespoons of broth until you reach your ideal consistency. Conversely, if it is too thin, let it simmer with the lid off for a few minutes to allow some of the moisture to evaporate.
Variations and Customizations
- For a gluten-free option, ensure your broth is gluten-free.
- If you want a low-carb version, reduce the amount of split peas and substitute with zucchini.
- Try adding smoked paprika or liquid smoke for a smoky flavor, reminiscent of traditional hams often added to split pea soups.
- Include additional protein by adding lentils or chickpeas for extra nourishment.
Nutritional Information (Optional)
Each serving of this Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup (without optional add-ins) contains approximately:
- Calories: 250
- Protein: 14g
- Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 16g
Engaging Visual Details
This beautiful Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup showcases vibrant greens and yellows alongside a luscious, creamy consistency. As it simmers, your home will fill with the aromatic blend of garlic, thyme, and earthy peas, inviting warmth and comfort. When served, it should look enticingly thick and velvety, adorned with a sprinkle of fresh herbs or a drizzle of olive oil.
Images of the preparation stages, from chopping vegetables to a close-up of the slow cooker bubbling away, and the final plating will enhance the readers’ experience.
Conclusion
We encourage you to give this easy Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup recipe a try! Not only is it deliciously comforting, but it also brings the joy of homemade cooking directly to your table. Gather your ingredients, set your slow cooker, and relax while nourishing your body with this wholesome soup. If you’ve tried this recipe, leave a comment below to share your thoughts! Or maybe post your version on Instagram and tag us using MyDeliciousDish. We can’t wait to see the lovely creations from your kitchen!
