Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Pea and Ham Soup Recipe 🍲
There’s something magical about letting a slow cooker work its magic all day. The flavours develop so beautifully, and you can go about your day, knowing a delicious dinner awaits. This slow cooker pea and ham soup is:
- Ridiculously easy – Just throw everything in and let it cook!
- Perfectly creamy – Blend it up for that smooth, thick consistency.
- Packed with flavour – The ham hock infuses the soup with a deep, smoky taste that’s simply unbeatable.
- Perfect for meal prep – It freezes and reheats like a dream!
Tips and Tricks for the Best Slow Cooker Pea and Ham Soup
- Choosing Your Ham Hock: For a rich, smoky flavour, opt for a high-quality ham hock. A smoked ham hock will give an extra depth of flavour if you prefer a smoky taste.
- Split Peas Done Right: Rinse your split peas well to remove any dust and help them cook evenly. They’ll break down and thicken the soup, giving it that creamy texture without needing any cream.
- Blending Tip: For the best texture, use a stick blender to achieve a smooth consistency. If you prefer a chunkier soup, only blend half of it.
- Extra Veggies: The classic trio is onion, celery, and carrot, but feel free to add extras like leek or parsnip for a unique twist.
Storage Options for Your Pea and Ham Soup
One of the best things about slow cooker soups is that they store so well, making them ideal for meal prep!
- In the Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave for a quick, satisfying meal.
- Freezing Tips: This soup freezes beautifully! Cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags. Freeze for up to 3 months, then defrost overnight in the fridge and reheat to enjoy.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
A thick, hearty bowl of slow cooker pea and ham soup is satisfying on its own, but a few sides make it even better:
- Crusty Bread: Fresh, warm bread (especially sourdough) is a classic pairing that never fails.
- Cheese Toasties: Dunking gooey cheese toasties into this creamy soup is simply heavenly.
- Swirl of Crème Fraîche: Add a spoonful of crème fraîche or sour cream for extra creaminess.
- Fresh Herbs and Spices: Sprinkle with cracked black pepper, fresh herbs like chives or parsley, and even a pinch of chilli flakes for a hint of heat.
Other Soups to Try Next
Love this slow cooker pea and ham soup? Here are some other hearty, comforting soups you’ll love:
Final Touches – Let’s Get Cooking! 🌟
Nothing beats the satisfaction of a cosy bowl of slow cooker pea and ham soup (especially when it’s so easy!). The split peas get deliciously creamy, and the ham hock brings that deep, smoky taste that makes this a winter classic.
If you make this recipe, I’d love to see your creations! 📸 Tag me on Instagram @steph_cooks_stuff – I’m always excited to see your delicious homemade meals.
Happy cooking, and enjoy every spoonful! 🥄
Slow Cooker Pea and Ham Soup
- Total Time: 495
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
Hey lovely people! 🥣 Today is day 7 of one pan meals! Today, I’m sharing my all time easiest slow cooker pea and ham soup recipe. Perfect for those cozy nights when you need a comforting bowl of deliciousness! 🍲✨
Ingredients
Instructions
**Slow Cooker Method:**
- Throw everything into your slow cooker.
- Set it on low for 8 hours or if you’re in a rush, high for 4 hours.
- Once done, remove the ham hock and shred that yummy meat. 🍴
- Whip out your stick blender and blend away to get that smooth and glossy texture.
- Mix the shredded meat back in, give it a taste and season accordingly.
**Stove Top Method:**
- Bring all ingredients to a boil, and once it’s bubbling, turn down to the lowest setting.
- Let it simmer for 2 hours. If you notice it has reduced by a 1/4 or more after an hour, add a bit of water.
Voilà! 🎉 Dive into your delightful Pea and Ham Soup. Share it with family, friends, or just have it all by yourself (I won’t judge 😉).
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 480
- Category: Recipes
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Australian
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! If you don’t have a slow cooker, just cook it on the stovetop. Bring all ingredients to a boil, then let it simmer on low for about 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
If the soup turns out thicker than you like, simply add a bit of water or stock until you reach your desired consistency.
Yes! Substitute the ham hock with smoked paprika and vegetable stock for a smoky flavour without the meat. Adding extra veggies like potatoes or leeks can give the soup more body.