Are you craving a hearty, nutritious meal that practically cooks itself? Look no further than this mouthwatering Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup! Imagine coming home to a kitchen filled with the rich, aromatic scent of perfectly simmered vegetables and tender split peas - a comforting dish that transforms simple ingredients into a culinary masterpiece. Whether you're a busy professional, a home cook, or simply someone who loves incredibly delicious and wholesome meals, this recipe is about to become your new favorite go-to comfort food.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 6 hrs
Total Time: 6 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup split peas, rinsed
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Thoroughly rinse the split peas under cold water, removing any small stones or debris. Drain completely.
- Prepare the vegetables by washing and chopping the onion, carrots, and celery into uniform small pieces to ensure even cooking and distribution throughout the soup.
- Place the rinsed split peas into the slow cooker's ceramic insert, creating an even base layer.
- Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery on top of the split peas, distributing them evenly across the surface.
- Pour the vegetable broth over the ingredients, ensuring all components are mostly submerged in liquid.
- Sprinkle the dried thyme across the top of the mixture, then season with salt and pepper according to personal taste preferences.
- Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set to low heat setting for 6 hours, allowing the ingredients to slowly simmer and develop rich, deep flavors.
- After 6 hours, check the soup's consistency. If too thick, add a small amount of additional broth or water to reach desired texture.
- Use a large spoon or immersion blender to partially or fully blend the soup, depending on preferred texture - leaving some vegetables whole for added texture or creating a smooth puree.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed before serving hot.
Tips
- Always rinse split peas thoroughly to remove any debris and ensure a clean, pure flavor.
- Chop vegetables uniformly to guarantee even cooking and consistent texture throughout the soup.
- For a richer flavor, consider sautéing the onions, carrots, and celery briefly before adding to the slow cooker.
- Don't rush the cooking process - the low and slow method is key to developing deep, complex flavors.
- If you prefer a smoother soup, use an immersion blender to create a creamy consistency.
- Experiment with additional herbs like rosemary or bay leaves for extra depth of flavor.
- For added protein, consider adding diced ham or bacon during the last hour of cooking.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
- If the soup becomes too thick, gradually add more broth or water to achieve your desired consistency.
- Serve with crusty bread or croutons for a complete and satisfying meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 150kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 2g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
