How To Cook Pea and Ham Soup In A Slow Cooker

Pea and ham soup in a slow cooker? You may be wondering how it is possible to make this tasty dish without having to stand over the stove for hours. The answer is simple: use your slow cooker!

How to Cook Pea and Ham Soup in a Slow Cooker?

• Place split peas on the bottom of a slow cooker.
• Add in other ingredients.
• Cook on high for 4-5 hours or low for 6-8 hours until the peas are completely soft. 

This recipe will show you how to cook pea and ham soup in a slow cooker or crockpot. It will also provide tips on ingredients, cooking time, clean-up instructions, and more!

What Are the Health Benefits?

The good news is that it has many benefits. They’re high in protein and fiber and low in fat.

For example, it’s packed full of protein to keep your body strong; includes fiber which helps maintain healthy bowel movements; contains vitamins C, A, and K; and provides folate, iron, potassium, copper, zinc, and riboflavin.

This pea soup is also great for the winter season. The classic version is a great way to warm yourself up over the cooler months.

How to Cook Pea and Ham Soup in a Slow Cooker

Crockpot Pea and Ham Soup: Why?

Cooking pea and ham soup can take a long time. A crockpot or slow cooker is perfect because the food can be left to cook without being monitored, so you don’t have to stand over a stovetop.

Pea and Ham Soup in a Slow Cooker: How to Cook It?

Here is what you need to know:

1. Select your crockpot size. It can be small, medium, or large.
2. Gather and chop your fresh mint to taste (start with a handful). You can use dried herbs if desired, but the flavor will not be as robust.
3. Peel potatoes–you want them in about ¼” cubes for the best texture. Leave the skin on when possible because it provides a lot of fiber and nutrition.
4. Dice ham to your preference – more if you like chunky, less for a smoother texture.
5. Pour in milk or cream (or both) with salt and pepper to taste. You do not want the potatoes to soak in the liquid. Add enough liquid so that the potatoes are barely covered but not soaked.
6. Put your crockpot on high for two hours if you use a small slow cooker or four hours if you use a large one. Remember that every slow cooker cooks differently, so be sure to check at least once during the cooking time and adjust accordingly–it’s better to undercook than overcook!
7. Turn down the heat to low and cook the soup for an additional four hours. If you are using a medium crockpot, it will take six hours on low or eight hours on high. You want your potatoes to become tender but not disintegrate into mush, so be sure to check periodically while they’re cooking.
8. You can serve your soup as-is or add more flavor with salt and pepper to taste, squeeze lemon juice if desired, or parsley for garnish before serving.
9. Do not forget about the clean-up! You will need hot water (at least two cups), dish soap (one tablespoon), and a large bowl or pot.

Classic Pea and Ham Soup

Easy Pea and Ham Soup Slow Cooker Recipe

• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cooking time: 4-8 hours
• Serve: 6

Ingredients:

• 1 lb. split peas (about 2 c.)
• 1 large yellow onion, diced
• 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
• 2 stalks of celery, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 sprigs thyme (or 1 bay leaf)
• 1 tsp. ground ginger 
• 1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
• 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth
• 1 meaty ham bone or leftover ham bone
• 1 teaspoon salt (kosher)
• Freshly ground black pepper

Method:

1. Place split peas on the bottom of a slow cooker.
2. Add onion, carrots, celery, garlic, thyme, ginger, and red pepper flakes. 
3. Pour broth over and add ham bone. Season with salt and pepper. 
4. Cook on high for 4-5 hours or low for 6-8 hours until the peas are completely soft. 
5. Chop the meat and remove any bone, fat, or skin before returning it to the soup.
6. Serve this delicious soup.

This soup freezes well. Microwave on high until the split pea soup is piping hot if you want to eat it. Just the soup in an airtight container and keep it in the freezer. 

BBC Food Frozen Pea and Ham Soup Recipe

Ingredients:

• knob of butter
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 medium potato, peeled and diced
• 1l ham or pork stock
• 500g frozen petit pois (green peas)
• 300g thickly sliced ham, trimmed of any fat and diced

Method:

1. In a saucepan, heat a knob of butter until it begins to foam. Cook 1 chopped onion until softened but not colored.
2. Stir in 1 peeled and diced medium potato in the butter. Simmer until softened. Pour over 1 liter of ham or pork stock.
3. Tip in the frozen petit pois and return to a boil. Sauté for a couple of minutes.
4. Remove from the heat and blend until smooth. Stir in the diced ham and serve.

What to Serve with It?

Now that your soup is ready, you are ready to eat it. But, when a bowl of soup isn’t satisfying enough for your hunger, a flavorful side dish can make it a filling meal.

Here are several dishes that can be served to accompany your soup:

1. Garlic Croutons/Fried Garlic Bread
2. Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
3. Cornbread
4. Fried Garlic Chips
5. French’s Onions
6. Potato and Green Bean Salad
7. Baked Stuffed Potatoes
8. Buttermilk Biscuits
9. Shrimp Avocado Salad
10. Baked Cheese and Veggie Quesadillas

FAQs

What is the difference between peas and split peas?

The difference between green peas and green split peas is that the split peas are dried while the peas are fresh.

Among vegetables, peas are prepared and cooked quickly. Frozen or canned green peas can be boiled or microwaved to heat through, while fresh peas can be eaten raw or steamed to soften them.

Split peas require more work. To prepare them, bring water and dried split peas to a boil, lower the heat to simmer, and cook for about 30-45 minutes.

Do split peas have to be soaked before cooking?

Not all peas need to be soaked overnight in water to shorten cooking time. Split peas absorb lots of water, so check your soup often and add liquid. The pea should only cook until it is tender enough before serving for the best results.

What happens if you don’t Rinse split peas?

Special care should be taken when washing the split peas, as their starches are exposed and will leach out into the water. The water in which the peas have been washed will appear cloudy, but it is not dirty because of its starch content. Washing split peas quickly can help avoid a loss of nutrients and flavor.

Is pea and ham soup good for you?

This pea and ham soup would be ideal as it contains 22g of protein. The ingredients in this recipe will also help you avoid fat-storing blood sugar spikes.

It’s important to remember that while some carbs are excellent for a healthy lifestyle, an overload can lead to weight gain.

Why are my split peas not softening?

If your split peas haven’t softened after this length of cooking time, there may be an issue with either the peas or the water. If the peas used are old and dried, it will take more time to cook them properly.

If the water you use for making the soup is hard with lots of dissolved minerals, it can stop the peas from softening.

See also:

• Pea and Ham Soup: Delicious
• How to Make Australian Traditional Damper Recipe?
• What to Serve with Chicken Noodle Soup: Delicious Side Dish Ideas
• What Meat Goes With Butternut Squash?

Related Topics

How Long Should Soup Cool Before Refrigerating?

Soup can be cooled quickly by placing it in a large bowl or pot and stirring it occasionally. Once it has cooled down, you can place it in the refrigerator.

It’s best to refrigerate soup within two hours of cooking. If you have leftovers, they should be placed in a sealed container and refrigerated within four hours.

Can I Eat Soup that Has Been in The Fridge for a Week?

Yes, you can eat soup that’s been in the fridge for a week. While it might not taste as good as when it was first made, it should still be safe to consume.

Just ensure to reheat the soup thoroughly before eating it to kill any bacteria or pathogens that may have grown in it.

Is Pea Soup Good for Diabetics?

Yes. Some foods can help diabetics manage their condition, and split peas are one of them.

This dish is a great option to include in your menu. Peas can help stabilize blood sugar levels while providing a steady energy supply.

Can You Freeze Soup After 3 Days?

Yes, you can freeze soup after 3 days. However, the quality of the soup may decrease after being frozen.

To ensure that the soup is of the best quality when you thaw it out, allow it to thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

How Do I Make My Ham And Pea Soup Thicker?

There are a few ways to thicken your ham and pea soup.

• You can add more vegetables, such as potatoes or carrots.
• You can also use flour or cornstarch to thicken the soup. Make a slurry with the flour or cornstarch and some cold water, then slowly add it to the soup while stirring.
• Another option is to create a roux by mixing butter and flour before adding it to the soup.

Does Pea Soup Give You Gas?

Yes, pea soup can give you gas. The high starch content in peas is the culprit, and it’s the same reason potatoes can cause problems too.

When your digestive enzymes break down this starch, it releases large amounts of gas.

Pea soup may not be your best choice if you’re especially sensitive to gas-producing foods. There are plenty of other healthy soups to choose from!

Does Split Pea Soup Cause Acid Reflux?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the effects of split pea soup on acid reflux will vary from person to person.

However, many people find that consuming split pea soup can trigger acid reflux symptoms in those who are susceptible to them.

If you experience acid reflux after eating split pea soup, you can take a few measures to mitigate the symptoms.

• First, avoid ingredients that aggravate your reflux, such as onions or garlic.
• You might also want to eat a small snack like toast or crackers before eating split pea soup, as this can help to reduce the amount of stomach acid produced.