Hearty Ham and Split Pea Soup

A Bowl of Cozy Memories

Let’s talk about cozy food. This slow cooker split pea soup is just that. It reminds me of my own grandma’s kitchen. The smell would fill the whole house. It meant family was coming over.

This easy slow cooker soup is a hug in a bowl. It turns simple things into magic. A ham bone, some peas, and time. That’s it. Doesn’t that smell amazing? It’s one of my favorite comfort food soup recipes.

Why a Ham Bone is Magic

This ham bone soup recipe has a secret. The bone! After a holiday dinner, I always save it. I wrap it up for the freezer. That bone holds so much flavor. It makes the broth rich and special.

This matters because it teaches us not to waste. A leftover bone can feed a family. It turns into a whole pot of goodness. That’s a good lesson, I think. Do you save bones for soup too?

So Simple to Make

You just put everything in the pot. Really! Rinse the split peas. Chop the onion and carrots. Add your ham bone and diced ham. Pour in the water and broth. A little mustard and savory for zip.

Then you walk away for hours. The slow cooker does the work. You get to do other things. This makes it a perfect make ahead soup. Come home to a ready dinner. What is your favorite thing to cook in a slow cooker?

Hearty and Good For You

This hearty split pea soup fills you up. It’s packed with protein and fiber from the peas. That keeps you full and happy. The carrots add a sweet touch and vitamin A.

That’s why it’s a star among healthy soup recipes. Good food should taste good and make you feel good. This soup does both. *Fun fact: Split peas are a type of dried pea. They don’t need soaking before cooking!*

Perfect for Busy Days

This soup solves the “what’s for dinner” question. It’s a top family dinner idea for busy nights. In the winter, it’s the best. A warm bowl fights off the chill. I still laugh at how my grandson called it “green monster soup.” He ate three bowls!

This matters because easy meals bring people together. No stress, just good food. You can leave it on all day. It’s a classic winter soup recipe. Would you eat it chunky or blended smooth?

Ingredients:

Instructions

Step 1: Grab your slow cooker. Put the ham bone and diced ham inside. This is the start of your easy slow cooker soup. It will be so flavorful.

Step 2: Now, add your chopped onion and rinsed split peas. Pour in the water and broth. This makes a hearty split pea soup. Doesn’t that smell amazing already?

Step 3: Stir in the mustard, savory, carrots, and pepper. Put the lid on. Cook all day on low. (A hard-learned tip: Rinse the peas well to keep your soup clear!). This is the best make ahead soup.

Step 4: After hours, the peas will be very soft. Carefully take out the ham bone. Taste your beautiful split pea soup with ham. Do you think it needs a pinch of salt? Share below!

Step 5: Your slow cooker split pea soup is ready! Serve it chunky or blend it smooth. This ham bone soup recipe is pure comfort. Perfect healthy soup recipes for chilly nights.

Creative Twists

Smoky Twist: Add a teaspoon of smoked paprika with the spices.

Green Twist: Stir in a big handful of fresh spinach at the end.

Herby Twist: Top each bowl with fresh chopped dill or parsley.

Which one would you try first? Comment below!

Serving & Pairing Ideas

This cozy winter soup recipe needs a good friend. Try warm, crusty bread for dipping. A simple green salad makes a fresh side. For family dinner ideas, add a grilled cheese sandwich. Everyone loves that. Which would you choose tonight?

Storing Your Soup for Cozy Days Ahead

Let’s talk about keeping your split pea soup. It stores beautifully. Let the soup cool completely first. Then pop it in the fridge for up to five days. For the freezer, use sturdy containers. Leave an inch of space at the top. This soup freezes well for three months.

I remember my first big batch. My freezer was full of jars! It was like having a treasure chest. On busy nights, dinner was already made. That is why batch cooking matters. It gives you a gift of time later. A warm meal is just a reheat away.

Reheating is simple. Thaw frozen soup in the fridge overnight. Warm it on the stove over medium heat. Stir it often. Add a splash of broth if it’s too thick. Have you ever tried storing it this way? Share below!

Simple Fixes for Common Soup Troubles

Even easy slow cooker soup can have hiccups. Here are three common ones. First, soup too thin? Let it cook uncovered for a bit. The extra liquid will steam away. Second, soup too thick? Just stir in a little more broth or water.

Third, not enough flavor? I once forgot the salt! Always taste at the end. The ham bone adds salt, so wait. Then season with a pinch more salt or pepper. Fixing these small issues builds your cooking confidence. You learn to trust your own taste. It also makes the final flavor just right for your family.

*Fun fact: Split peas are an ancient food, grown for over 5,000 years!* Which of these problems have you run into before?

Your Quick Questions, Answered

What is the best ham to use for split pea soup?

A leftover ham bone is the secret to the best split pea soup with ham. Use one from a baked holiday ham. Also add about a cup of the diced leftover meat. This gives the soup a deep, smoky flavor. You can also buy a small smoked ham shank from the store. It makes a wonderfully hearty split pea soup.

Can you make split pea soup without ham?

Yes, you can make a lovely vegetarian version. Simply leave out the ham bone and diced ham. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You might add a teaspoon of smoked paprika. It gives a similar smoky taste. This makes it one of many healthy soup recipes everyone can enjoy.

How do you thicken split pea soup?

This easy slow cooker soup thickens on its own. The split peas break down as they cook. For a thicker soup, let it cook longer uncovered. You can also use a potato masher. Gently mash some peas against the pot’s side. This is a great trick for all comfort food soup recipes.

What to serve with ham and split pea soup?

This is a complete meal in a bowl! For family dinner ideas, I love crusty bread for dipping. A simple green salad is nice too. It adds a fresh crunch. Cornbread muffins are another favorite. They are perfect with these warm winter soup recipes.

Can you freeze split pea soup?

This soup is a champion for the freezer. It is a perfect make ahead soup. Let it cool first. Freeze it in sealed containers for up to three months. Thaw it in your fridge overnight. Then reheat it on the stove. It tastes just as delicious as the day you made it.

How long does split pea soup last in the refrigerator?

Your ham bone soup will keep well. Store it in a covered container. It stays good in the fridge for four to five days. The flavors often get even better the next day. This makes it a fantastic plan-ahead meal. Which tip will you try first?

From My Kitchen to Yours

I hope you love this cozy recipe. It truly is one of my favorite family dinner ideas. There is nothing like a warm bowl on a cold day. It fills your kitchen with the best smell.

I would love to hear about your cooking adventure. Did your family enjoy it? Did you add your own little twist? Have you tried this recipe? Please tell me all about it in the comments below. Your stories are my favorite thing to read.

Happy cooking!
—Grace Ellington.

Hearty Ham and Split Pea Soup

Author: Danielle Monroe Cooking Method:Slow Cooker Cuisine:American Courses:Lunch Main

Difficulty:BeginnerPrep time: 15 minutesCook time: 5 minutesRest time: Total time: 5 minutesServings:6 servingsCalories:294 kcal Best Season:Summer

Description

Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup with Ham

Ingredients

• 1 ham bone
• 1 cup diced ham
• 1 medium onion, peeled and chopped
• 1 pound green split peas, rinsed (about 2 heaping cups)
• 4 cups water
• 4 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon ground savoury
• 1/2 cup diced carrots
• 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

1. In a 6-quart slow cooker, place the ham bone and the chopped ham. Add the onion, split peas, water, and broth. Measure in the mustard, savoury, carrots and pepper.
2. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 5. Peas should be soft.
3. Remove the ham bone and taste the soup. Season with salt if desired. Serve as is or puree for a smoother soup.

Notes

Nutritional values are per serving and are an estimate. Sodium content can vary greatly based on the ham and broth used.

Keywords:Ham, Split Pea, Soup, Slow Cooker, Dinner