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Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup with Ham and Carrots

slow cooker split pea soup - featured image

A cozy, easy-to-make slow cooker soup featuring split peas, smoky ham, and sweet carrots. Perfect for comforting dinners with minimal prep and maximum flavor.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups (300 g) split peas (green or yellow)
  • 2 cups (300 g) diced cooked ham or a ham bone
  • 2 large carrots, peeled and diced
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 stalks celery, diced
  • 6 cups (1.4 liters) chicken broth (low-sodium preferred)
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 tsp dried thyme or 1 tbsp fresh thyme
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

  1. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat in a skillet. Add diced onion, carrots, celery, and minced garlic. Cook until onion is translucent and vegetables start to soften, about 5-7 minutes. (Optional step to boost flavor.)
  2. Rinse split peas under cold water in a fine-mesh strainer until water runs clear to remove excess starch.
  3. Transfer sautéed vegetables to the slow cooker. Add rinsed split peas, diced ham or ham bone, chicken broth, bay leaf, and thyme. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
  4. Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until peas are tender and creamy. Stir occasionally if cooking on high to prevent sticking.
  5. Remove bay leaf and ham bone (if used). Pull off any remaining meat from the bone and add back to the soup. Adjust salt and pepper to taste. If soup is too thick, add more broth or water to reach desired consistency.
  6. Ladle soup into bowls and serve warm. Pairs well with crusty bread or keto coleslaw.

Notes

Rinsing split peas prevents gummy texture. Sautéing vegetables first enhances flavor but can be skipped. Use a ham bone for deeper smoky flavor or diced ham for meat chunks. Adjust soup thickness by adding broth or cooking uncovered to reduce. Check slow cooker early to avoid overcooking peas.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker, split pea soup, ham, carrots, easy soup, cozy meals, comfort food, gluten-free, hearty soup