Slow Cooker Split Pea and Ham Soup

Split Pea and Ham Soup

Split Pea and Ham Soup is the perfect way to use up that leftover ham you might have served at your last party.  Since the ham is used more like a condiment in this hearty satisfying soup, it will add a ton of flavor without causing us to overindulge in the ham itself.  The split peas and veggies boost the overall nutrition in this recipe making it a meal you can feel good about serving.  But I think that the best part about this one is that it’s made in a slow cooker allowing us to just pile in the ingredients then go about our daily routines.  Once I loaded up the crock pot I got busy taking down all of my Christmas decorations.  As exhaustion set in it was a welcomed pleasure not to have to worry about what I was making for dinner.  As the aroma of this soup filled the air I was so glad I had taken the time earlier in the day to throw this one together.    

Ingredients list

·         1 onion, peeled and diced

·         2 carrots, diced

·         2 stalks of celery, diced

·         2 cloves of garlic, minced

·         2 large potatoes, peeled and diced

·         1 lb split peas, rinsed, sorted and drained

·         8 cups of gluten free chicken broth or chicken stock

·         1 lb ham diced

·         2 bay leaves

·         1 tablespoon of olive oil

·         salt and pepper to taste

Video Tutorial:

Instructions

1.      In the bottom of the crock pot, stir all of the diced vegetables together with 1 tablespoon of olive oil so that the veggies are all lightly coated.

2.      Add the split peas and chicken broth or stock to the pot along with the bay leaves and salt and pepper to taste. 

3.      Stir then add the ham directly into the center of the pot. 

4.      Cover and cook on high for 6-7 hours.  Alternately you could cook it on low for 10-11 hours.

5.      When the soup is finished it won’t look properly thickened yet until it’s been stirred.  Remove the bay leaves and it’s ready to serve. 

Notes:  If you would like the soup to have a smoother consistency instead of the way it was served in the photo, you can blend it with an immersion blender until it has reached the desired consistency.