Split pea soup is a classic comfort food that has been warming hearts and bellies for generations. This hearty, nutritious soup is made with split peas, vegetables, and aromatic spices, all slow-cooked to perfection in a slow cooker. In this article, we’ll take you through the process of making delicious split pea soup in a slow cooker, from preparation to serving.
Benefits of Using a Slow Cooker
Using a slow cooker to make split pea soup has several benefits. Here are a few:
- Convenience: Slow cookers are perfect for busy people who want to come home to a hot, ready-to-eat meal. Simply add all the ingredients to the slow cooker in the morning, and you’ll have a delicious soup waiting for you when you get home.
- Easy to Make: Slow cookers are incredibly easy to use. Just add all the ingredients, set the timer, and let the slow cooker do the work for you.
- Nutrient Retention: Slow cooking helps retain the nutrients in the ingredients, making the soup a healthy and nutritious option.
Ingredients and Equipment Needed
To make split pea soup in a slow cooker, you’ll need the following ingredients and equipment:
- 1 cup dried green or yellow split peas
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 2 cups water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Slow cooker (at least 6-quart capacity)
- Immersion blender or regular blender
- Soup ladle
Preparing the Ingredients
Before adding the ingredients to the slow cooker, you’ll need to prepare them. Here’s how:
- Chop the Onion, Carrots, and Celery: Chop the onion, carrots, and celery into bite-sized pieces.
- Mince the Garlic: Mince the garlic cloves using a garlic press or a chef’s knife.
- Measure the Spices: Measure out the thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
- Rinse the Split Peas: Rinse the split peas and pick out any debris or stones.
Adding the Ingredients to the Slow Cooker
Now that the ingredients are prepared, it’s time to add them to the slow cooker. Here’s how:
- Add the Olive Oil: Add the olive oil to the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Add the Chopped Onion, Carrots, and Celery: Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery on top of the olive oil.
- Add the Minced Garlic: Add the minced garlic on top of the vegetables.
- Add the Split Peas, Spices, and Bay Leaf: Add the split peas, thyme, rosemary, salt, pepper, and bay leaf on top of the garlic.
- Add the Vegetable Broth and Water: Pour in the vegetable broth and water, making sure that all the ingredients are covered.
Setting the Slow Cooker
Now that all the ingredients are in the slow cooker, it’s time to set it. Here’s how:
- Set the Slow Cooker to Low: Set the slow cooker to the low setting (usually 8-10 hours).
- Set the Timer: Set the timer according to your schedule. If you’re cooking the soup during the day, you can set the timer for 8 hours. If you’re cooking it overnight, you can set the timer for 10 hours.
Blending the Soup
Once the soup is cooked, you’ll need to blend it to create a smooth consistency. Here’s how:
- Use an Immersion Blender: Use an immersion blender to blend the soup right in the slow cooker. This is the easiest and most convenient option.
- Use a Regular Blender: If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can transfer the soup to a regular blender and blend it in batches.
Serving the Soup
Now that the soup is blended, it’s time to serve it. Here’s how:
- Ladle the Soup into Bowls: Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot.
- Add Any Desired Toppings: Add any desired toppings, such as crusty bread, crackers, or a dollop of sour cream.
Tips and Variations
Here are some tips and variations to help you make the best split pea soup ever:
- Use Fresh Herbs: Use fresh herbs instead of dried herbs for a more vibrant flavor.
- Add Some Heat: Add some heat to the soup by incorporating diced jalapenos or red pepper flakes.
- Use Different Types of Peas: Use different types of peas, such as black-eyed peas or chickpeas, for a unique flavor and texture.
- Add Some Smokiness: Add some smokiness to the soup by incorporating liquid smoke or smoked paprika.
By following these tips and variations, you can create a delicious and unique split pea soup that’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
What are the benefits of using a slow cooker to make split pea soup?
Using a slow cooker to make split pea soup offers several benefits. For one, it allows for hands-off cooking, which means you can simply add all the ingredients to the slow cooker and let it do the work for you. This is especially convenient for busy people who don’t have a lot of time to spend in the kitchen. Additionally, slow cookers are great for cooking tougher ingredients like split peas, which can become tender and flavorful with long, slow cooking.
Another benefit of using a slow cooker is that it helps to bring out the flavors of the ingredients. As the soup cooks, the flavors of the vegetables, spices, and broth meld together, creating a rich and delicious flavor profile. This is especially true for split pea soup, which can be quite bland if not cooked properly. By cooking it in a slow cooker, you can ensure that the flavors are fully developed and the soup is deliciously flavorful.
What type of split peas should I use for this recipe?
For this recipe, you can use either green or yellow split peas. Both types of peas will work well and will produce a delicious and flavorful soup. Green split peas are slightly sweeter and have a milder flavor, while yellow split peas are slightly more bitter and have a stronger flavor. If you’re looking for a milder flavor, you may want to use green split peas. If you prefer a stronger flavor, you can use yellow split peas.
It’s worth noting that you should use dried split peas for this recipe, rather than fresh or frozen peas. Dried split peas are specifically designed for cooking and will hold their shape and texture better than fresh or frozen peas. They’re also easier to find in most supermarkets and are generally less expensive than fresh or frozen peas.
Can I add other ingredients to customize the recipe?
Yes, you can definitely add other ingredients to customize the recipe to your taste. Some ideas for additional ingredients include diced ham or bacon, chopped vegetables like carrots or celery, and spices like thyme or rosemary. You can also add a splash of cream or coconut milk to give the soup a creamy texture.
When adding additional ingredients, be sure to adjust the cooking time and liquid levels accordingly. For example, if you add a lot of extra vegetables, you may need to add more broth to the slow cooker to ensure that everything is fully covered. You can also adjust the amount of spices and seasonings to taste.
How long does it take to cook split pea soup in a slow cooker?
The cooking time for split pea soup in a slow cooker will depend on the specific slow cooker you’re using and the desired level of doneness. Generally, you can cook split pea soup on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-6 hours. If you prefer a thicker, more stew-like consistency, you can cook the soup for a longer period of time. If you prefer a thinner consistency, you can cook it for a shorter period of time.
It’s also worth noting that you can cook the soup on low overnight and wake up to a delicious, ready-to-eat meal. This is a great option if you’re looking for a convenient and hands-off breakfast or brunch option.
Can I make this recipe in a different type of cooker?
While this recipe is specifically designed for a slow cooker, you can make it in other types of cookers as well. For example, you can make it in a pressure cooker or Instant Pot, which will significantly reduce the cooking time. You can also make it on the stovetop or in the oven, although this will require more hands-on attention and stirring.
If you’re using a different type of cooker, be sure to adjust the cooking time and liquid levels accordingly. For example, if you’re using a pressure cooker, you’ll need to use less liquid and cook the soup for a shorter period of time. If you’re using the stovetop or oven, you’ll need to stir the soup regularly to prevent burning and scorching.
How do I store and reheat leftover split pea soup?
Leftover split pea soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months. To store it in the refrigerator, simply let the soup cool and then transfer it to an airtight container. To freeze it, let the soup cool and then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag.
To reheat leftover split pea soup, you can simply microwave it or heat it up on the stovetop. If you’re reheating it from frozen, be sure to thaw it first and then reheat it. You can also reheat it in the slow cooker, which is a great option if you’re looking for a hands-off reheating method.
Is split pea soup healthy?
Yes, split pea soup is a healthy and nutritious option. Split peas are high in protein, fiber, and vitamins, and are low in calories and fat. They’re also a good source of minerals like potassium and iron. The vegetables and spices used in the recipe add additional nutrients and antioxidants, making the soup a well-rounded and healthy meal option.
It’s worth noting that you can make the soup even healthier by using low-sodium broth and spices, and by adding in extra vegetables and lean protein sources. You can also use the soup as a base and add in other healthy ingredients, such as kale or spinach, to boost the nutritional content even further.