As the weather starts to cool down, there’s nothing quite like a warm, comforting bowl of soup to lift your spirits. And what better way to enjoy a hearty, homemade soup than with the convenience of a slow cooker? In this article, we’ll show you how to make a delicious pea and ham soup in your slow cooker, perfect for a chilly evening or a special occasion.
The Benefits of Slow Cooking
Slow cooking is a great way to prepare meals, especially for busy people who want to come home to a ready-to-eat dinner. Here are just a few benefits of slow cooking:
- Convenience: Slow cookers allow you to prepare your meal in the morning and let it cook while you’re away, so you can come home to a ready-to-eat dinner.
- Easy to use: Simply add your ingredients to the slow cooker, set the timer, and let the cooker do the work for you.
- Tender meat: Slow cooking is great for tenderizing tougher cuts of meat, making them fall-apart tender and full of flavor.
- Nutrient retention: Slow cooking helps retain the nutrients in your food, especially when compared to high-heat cooking methods.
The Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this delicious pea and ham soup, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 pound dried split peas
- 1 pound ham hocks or smoked ham
- 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
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups water
Choosing the Right Ham
When it comes to choosing the right ham for your pea and ham soup, you have a few options. Here are a few things to consider:
- Smoked ham: Smoked ham is a great choice for pea and ham soup, as it adds a rich, smoky flavor to the dish. Look for a smoked ham that’s been cured with a combination of salt, sugar, and spices.
- Ham hocks: Ham hocks are another great option for pea and ham soup. They’re typically less expensive than smoked ham and add a rich, meaty flavor to the dish.
- Cured ham: Cured ham is a good choice if you want a milder flavor in your pea and ham soup. Look for a cured ham that’s been cured with a combination of salt, sugar, and spices.
Instructions for Making Pea and Ham Soup in a Slow Cooker
Making pea and ham soup in a slow cooker is easy and convenient. Here’s a step-by-step guide to get you started:
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Before you start cooking, make sure you have all the ingredients ready to go. Chop the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery, and measure out the thyme, rosemary, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
Step 2: Brown the Ham
If you’re using a smoked ham or cured ham, you can skip this step. However, if you’re using ham hocks, you’ll want to brown them in a pan before adding them to the slow cooker. Simply heat a tablespoon of oil in a pan over medium-high heat, add the ham hocks, and cook until browned on all sides.
Step 3: Add the Ingredients to the Slow Cooker
Add the chopped onion, garlic, carrots, and celery to the slow cooker, followed by the browned ham hocks (if using), dried split peas, thyme, rosemary, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Pour in the chicken broth and water, making sure that all the ingredients are covered.
Step 4: Cook the Soup
Cook the soup on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-6 hours. When the soup is cooked, the peas should be tender and the ham should be falling apart.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Serve the pea and ham soup hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs (if desired). You can also serve the soup with a swirl of cream or a side of crusty bread.
Tips and Variations
Here are a few tips and variations to help you make the most of your pea and ham soup:
- Add some acidity: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice can add brightness and balance out the richness of the soup.
- Spice it up: If you like a little heat in your soup, you can add some diced jalapenos or red pepper flakes.
- Add some creaminess: A swirl of heavy cream or coconut cream can add richness and creaminess to the soup.
- Make it a meal: Serve the soup with a side of crusty bread or some crusty crackers for a filling meal.
Conclusion
Making pea and ham soup in a slow cooker is a great way to enjoy a delicious, comforting meal with minimal effort. With its rich, smoky flavor and tender, fall-apart texture, this soup is sure to become a favorite in your household. So why not give it a try? Your taste buds will thank you.
Nutrition Information (per serving)
| Nutrition Information | Value |
| ——————— | ——– |
| Calories | 420 |
| Total Fat | 24g |
| Saturated Fat | 8g |
| Cholesterol | 60mg |
| Sodium | 1040mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 30g |
| Dietary Fiber | 10g |
| Sugars | 5g |
| Protein | 25g |
Note: Nutrition information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
What is the best type of ham to use in this pea and ham soup recipe?
The best type of ham to use in this pea and ham soup recipe is a bone-in ham hock or a smoked ham. These types of ham have a rich, savory flavor that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the peas. You can also use a leftover ham bone or a ham steak if you prefer.
When choosing a ham, look for one that is high in quality and has a good balance of fat and lean meat. This will help to create a rich and flavorful broth. You can also use a combination of different types of ham if you like, such as a ham hock and some diced cooked ham.
Can I use frozen peas instead of fresh peas in this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen peas instead of fresh peas in this recipe. In fact, frozen peas are often just as nutritious and flavorful as fresh peas, and they can be just as convenient. Simply thaw the frozen peas according to the package instructions and add them to the slow cooker along with the other ingredients.
Keep in mind that frozen peas may be softer and more prone to breaking apart than fresh peas, which can affect the texture of the soup. However, this is a minor difference and the soup will still be delicious. You can also use a combination of fresh and frozen peas if you like.
How long does it take to cook this pea and ham soup recipe in a slow cooker?
This pea and ham soup recipe takes about 6-8 hours to cook in a slow cooker on low heat. You can also cook it on high heat for about 3-4 hours if you prefer. The cooking time will depend on the specific slow cooker you are using and the temperature you choose.
It’s a good idea to check the soup periodically to make sure it is cooking evenly and that the peas are tender. You can also use a thermometer to check the internal temperature of the soup, which should be at least 165°F (74°C) to ensure food safety.
Can I make this pea and ham soup recipe in a Dutch oven or on the stovetop?
Yes, you can make this pea and ham soup recipe in a Dutch oven or on the stovetop if you prefer. Simply brown the ham and onions in a pot, then add the remaining ingredients and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook until the peas are tender, which should take about 30-40 minutes.
Keep in mind that cooking the soup on the stovetop or in a Dutch oven will result in a slightly different texture and flavor than cooking it in a slow cooker. The soup may be thicker and more stew-like, and the flavors may be more intense. However, it will still be delicious and a great option if you don’t have a slow cooker.
Can I add other ingredients to this pea and ham soup recipe?
Yes, you can add other ingredients to this pea and ham soup recipe to suit your tastes. Some ideas include diced carrots, celery, or potatoes, which can add extra flavor and nutrients to the soup. You can also add some chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or thyme, for extra flavor.
Other ingredients you might consider adding include diced bell peppers, chopped bacon, or a can of diced tomatoes. You can also add some spices or seasonings, such as paprika or cumin, to give the soup a unique flavor. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time and liquid levels accordingly.
Can I make this pea and ham soup recipe ahead of time and freeze it?
Yes, you can make this pea and ham soup recipe ahead of time and freeze it for later use. In fact, this is a great way to meal prep and have a delicious, comforting soup on hand whenever you need it. Simply cook the soup according to the recipe, then let it cool and transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag.
When you’re ready to eat the soup, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator or thaw it quickly by submerging the container in cold water. Reheat the soup over low heat, adding a little extra water or broth if needed to achieve the desired consistency.
Is this pea and ham soup recipe suitable for special diets, such as gluten-free or vegetarian?
This pea and ham soup recipe is not suitable for vegetarian diets, as it contains ham. However, you can easily make a vegetarian version of the recipe by substituting the ham with a plant-based protein source, such as tofu or tempeh.
As for gluten-free diets, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, as it doesn’t contain any gluten-containing ingredients. However, if you’re using a store-bought broth or stock, be sure to check the ingredients list to ensure that it is gluten-free. You can also use a gluten-free flour to thicken the soup if needed.