Pea soup with ham bone is one of those dishes that embodies comfort, warmth, and the feeling of a home-cooked meal after a long day. It’s one of those classic recipes that is simple, hearty, and incredibly satisfying. Plus, the use of a slow cooker means you get all the delicious, savory flavors to meld together effortlessly, making this the kind of recipe you’ll want to pull out again and again.
Ham and pea soup has been a staple in many households for generations, often made after the holiday season when you have leftover ham bones. But even if you’re starting from scratch, the depth of flavor this soup offers is undeniable. The smokiness of the ham bone combines perfectly with the earthy flavor of split peas, creating a dish that is not only delicious but nourishing. It’s the kind of meal that’s just as comforting on a chilly evening as it is on a lazy weekend when you want something warm and filling without much effort.
Whether you’re new to slow cooking or you’re a seasoned pro, this recipe will be a delightful addition to your rotation. Let’s dive into the details of how to make this hearty and satisfying dish.
Pea Soup With Ham Bone Slow Cooker Recipe
Making pea soup with a ham bone in a slow cooker is a straightforward process, and the best part is that you can set it and forget it! In the morning, you can toss all the ingredients into the slow cooker and by the evening, you’ll have a flavorful soup that’s perfect for a family dinner or meal prep for the week ahead.
Ingredients Needed
To make this soup, you don’t need a lot of fancy ingredients. The beauty of this recipe is in its simplicity. Here’s what you’ll need:
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1 ham bone (with some meat still attached)
- The star of the show, providing that delicious smoky flavor.
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2 cups dried split peas (green or yellow)
- They break down while cooking, giving the soup its thick and creamy texture.
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1 large onion, chopped
- Adds sweetness and depth to the broth.
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2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
- Sweetness from the carrots balances the savory flavor of the ham.
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2 celery stalks, chopped
- A subtle crunch and a fresh flavor that rounds out the soup.
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3 cloves garlic, minced
- For a bit of aromatic depth.
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8 cups chicken broth (or water)
- The base of the soup; chicken broth adds richness, but water is a fine substitute if needed.
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1 Bay Leaf
- Adds a mild, herby flavor to the soup as it simmers.
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1 Teaspoon Dried Thyme
- A perfect herb to complement the peas and ham.
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1/2 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
- For a gentle kick.
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1 tablespoon olive oil (optional)
- Adds a bit of richness and helps sauté the vegetables before adding to the slow cooker.
Cooking Instructions
Now let’s get into the steps for putting it all together! Making this recipe is as easy as it gets. Here’s how to prepare it:
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Sauté The Vegetables (Optional Step)
- If you want to intensify the flavors, you can start by heating the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté them for about 5 minutes, until they’re softened and fragrant. If you’re short on time or prefer the easiest method, you can skip this step and add everything directly to the slow cooker.
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Prepare The Slow Cooker
- Transfer the sautéed vegetables (or raw veggies) to the slow cooker. Add the ham bone, garlic, split peas, bay leaf, thyme, and black pepper. Pour in the chicken broth (or water) and give everything a good stir.
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Set And Forget
- Cover the slow cooker with its lid. Set it to low heat for about 8 hours or high heat for 4 to 5 hours. As it cooks, the peas will soften, and the ham will slowly release its flavor into the broth.
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Shred The Ham
- Once the soup has finished cooking, carefully remove the ham bone. Allow it to cool enough to handle, and then shred any remaining ham from the bone. Return the shredded ham back into the soup and stir it in. This adds extra texture and flavor.
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Taste And Adjust
- Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed. If the soup is too thick for your liking, you can add extra broth or water to thin it out to your desired consistency.
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Serve And Enjoy
- Ladle the soup into bowls and serve it with some crusty bread or crackers. You can garnish with fresh herbs or a dollop of sour cream if you want to elevate the dish even more.
Ingredient Insights
Let’s break down a few of the key ingredients and why they work so well together:
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Ham Bone
A ham bone provides a wealth of flavor. The bone itself infuses the broth with a smoky, meaty richness. The bits of ham that remain on the bone also add texture and a salty bite to the soup. It’s a great way to get the most out of leftover ham after a holiday meal. The longer the soup simmers, the more flavor the bone imparts.
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Split Peas
These tiny little legumes are packed with nutrients, and when they break down during cooking, they create a smooth, velvety texture that thickens the broth. They also soak up all the rich flavors of the ham and seasonings, making them the perfect vehicle for all those savory tastes.
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Chicken Broth
The broth is the foundation of the soup. Using chicken broth (or even bone broth) imparts a deeper, more complex flavor compared to plain water. The richness of the broth is what gives this soup its satisfying, full-bodied taste.
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Vegetables
The combination of onions, carrots, and celery-often referred to as the "holy trinity" in cooking-creates a balanced, aromatic base for the soup. These vegetables bring sweetness, freshness, and texture to the dish.
Expert Tips
To make sure your pea soup with ham bone turns out perfect every time, here are a few expert tips:
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Soak The Split Peas
Soaking the peas for a few hours before cooking can help them cook more evenly and reduce the chances of the soup becoming too mushy. However, if you’re short on time, you can skip this step and still get great results.
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Don’t Skip The Sautéing Step
Sautéing the onions, carrots, and celery before adding them to the slow cooker caramelizes the natural sugars in the vegetables, creating a deeper, richer flavor. It’s an optional step, but it’s one I highly recommend.
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Use Bone Broth For Extra Flavor
If you have access to bone broth, try using that instead of regular chicken broth. The added collagen and richness from the bones will make your soup even more flavorful and nutritious.
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Add Some Fresh Herbs At The End
Fresh parsley, thyme, or even a bit of sage can be a nice finishing touch to your soup, adding brightness and a pop of color.
Recipe Variations
This basic recipe is highly adaptable. Here are a few variations you can try to make it your own:
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Add Potatoes
For a heartier soup, dice up a couple of potatoes and add them to the slow cooker along with the vegetables. The potatoes will break down slightly and thicken the soup even more.
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Spicy Kick
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño to give the soup a bit of heat. It contrasts wonderfully with the rich, smoky flavor of the ham.
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Vegetarian Version
Skip the ham bone and use vegetable broth as the base. Add smoked paprika or liquid smoke to mimic the smoky flavor that the ham bone would have provided. You can also use plant-based sausages or even tempeh for a meaty texture.
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Creamy Version
After the soup is done cooking, take a portion of the soup and blend it until smooth using an immersion blender. This will make the soup thicker and creamier while still retaining some chunky texture. You can even stir in a little cream or milk for added richness.
Final Words
Pea soup with ham bone is the ultimate comfort food. It’s nutritious, filling, and so easy to make in the slow cooker. The combination of smoky ham, tender split peas, and savory broth is something that brings people together. It’s the type of dish that tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for leftovers.
So whether you’re using up a leftover ham bone or starting fresh, this recipe is a perfect way to enjoy a satisfying meal with minimal effort.
FAQs
What Ingredients Are Needed For A Pea Soup With Ham Bone In A Slow Cooker?
For pea soup with a ham bone in a slow cooker, you will need dried split peas, a ham bone (preferably with some leftover meat), onions, carrots, celery, garlic, bay leaves, thyme, salt, pepper, and vegetable or chicken broth. You can also add potatoes for extra texture and flavor.
How Long Should I Cook Pea Soup With A Ham Bone In The Slow Cooker?
Typically, you should cook the pea soup in the slow cooker for 6 to 8 hours on low heat or 3 to 4 hours on high heat. The soup is done when the peas are fully tender and the ham is easy to shred.
Can I Use A Ham Steak Instead Of A Ham Bone For This Recipe?
Yes, you can use a ham steak instead of a ham bone. Simply chop the ham into small chunks and add it to the soup. While it won’t impart the same depth of flavor as the ham bone, it will still give the soup a great taste.
Do I Need To Soak The Split Peas Before Using Them In The Slow Cooker?
No, you do not need to soak the split peas before cooking them in the slow cooker. The slow cooking process allows the peas to soften naturally. Just make sure to rinse the peas to remove any dust or debris before adding them to the soup.
Can I Add Other Vegetables To Pea Soup With Ham Bone?
Yes, you can customize your pea soup by adding other vegetables like potatoes, leeks, parsnips, or spinach. Just make sure the additional vegetables are cut into small pieces so they cook evenly with the peas.
Is There A Way To Thicken The Pea Soup If It’s Too Thin?
If the soup is too thin, you can thicken it by either mashing some of the peas with a potato masher, or using an immersion blender to blend part of the soup. Alternatively, you can let it cook longer with the lid off to allow the liquid to evaporate.
Can I Freeze Pea Soup With A Ham Bone?
Yes, pea soup with ham bone can be frozen. Allow the soup to cool completely, then store it in airtight containers or freezer bags. It can be kept in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw overnight in the fridge and warm on the stove.
Can I Make This Soup With A Vegetarian Ham Substitute?
Yes, you can make a vegetarian version of pea soup by substituting the ham bone with a plant-based ham or adding extra smoked seasonings, like smoked paprika or liquid smoke, to give the soup that signature smoky flavor.
How Can I Adjust The Seasoning For My Pea Soup?
You can adjust the seasoning by tasting the soup towards the end of the cooking process. Add more salt, pepper, or dried herbs like thyme or rosemary according to your preference. A splash of vinegar or lemon juice can also help brighten the flavor.
Can I Cook Pea Soup With A Ham Bone In An Instant Pot Instead Of A Slow Cooker?
Yes, you can cook pea soup with a ham bone in an Instant Pot. Use the ’Soup’ or ’Pressure Cook’ setting and cook for 25 to 30 minutes on high pressure. Let the pressure release naturally for about 10 minutes before opening the lid.