Slow Cooker Pea and Ham Soup

This Slow Cooker Pea and Ham Soup is thick, hearty, and packed with smoky ham, tender split peas, and vegetables. It’s an easy, comforting meal that’s perfect for chilly days and tastes even better the next day.

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450 g) dried green split peas, rinsed
• 1 meaty ham bone or 2 cups diced cooked ham
• 1 large onion, diced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup water (more if needed)
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Note: If using a ham bone, there’s usually enough salt from the ham. Taste the soup before adding any extra salt.

Instructions

1. Rinse the split peas under cold water and discard any damaged peas or debris.
2. Add the split peas, ham bone (or diced ham), onion, carrots, celery, garlic, bay leaf, thyme, black pepper, chicken broth, and water to the slow cooker.
3. Stir to combine.
4. Cover and cook:
   • Low: 8–10 hours
   • High: 4–5 hours
5. If using a ham bone, remove it from the slow cooker. Shred the meat from the bone, discard the bone and any excess fat, then return the shredded ham to the soup.
6. Remove and discard the bay leaf.
7. Stir well. If you prefer a smoother soup, use an immersion blender to blend part or all of the soup.
8. If the soup is thicker than you’d like, stir in a little extra broth or hot water.
9. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Prep Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 8–10 hours (Low) or 4–5 hours (High)
• Total Time: About 8 hours 15 minutes

Serving Suggestions

• Crusty bread or dinner rolls
• Buttery biscuits
• Grilled cheese sandwich
• Simple green salad

Tips

• No need to soak split peas before cooking—just rinse them well.
• Leftover holiday ham works perfectly in this recipe.
• The soup will thicken as it cools; simply add a splash of broth when reheating.
• Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Enjoy this rich, comforting Slow Cooker Pea and Ham Soup that’s full of smoky flavor and perfect for an easy family dinner