Warm up your kitchen and your soul with a bowl of Crock Pot Meaty Split Pea Soup! This hearty and flavorful dish is perfect for chilly days, offering a delightful blend of tender split peas and savory ham hock that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Imagine the enticing aroma wafting through your home as this soup simmers away, filling the air with comfort and warmth. With just 10 minutes of prep time and a slow-cooking magic that does the rest, you’ll discover why this recipe has become a beloved staple in American cuisine. Ready to dive into a deliciously satisfying meal? Let’s get cooking!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 8 hrs
Total Time: 8 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb split peas
- 1 lb ham hock
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 tsp thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by rinsing the split peas under cold water to remove any debris or impurities. Set them aside to drain.
- In a large Crock Pot, add the rinsed split peas, ham hock, chopped onion, diced carrots, and diced celery.
- Pour in the 4 cups of chicken broth, ensuring that the ingredients are submerged. If necessary, add more broth or water to cover the ingredients completely.
- Sprinkle the thyme over the mixture, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Remember that the ham hock will also add some saltiness, so start with a little and adjust later if needed.
- Cover the Crock Pot with its lid and set it to cook on low for 8 hours. This slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld and the split peas to become tender.
- After 8 hours of cooking, carefully remove the ham hock from the soup. Let it cool for a few minutes, then shred the meat from the bone, discarding any excess fat and bones.
- Return the shredded ham back to the soup and stir well to combine. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary.
- Serve the meaty split pea soup hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy with crusty bread or crackers for a hearty meal.
Tips
- Rinse and Drain: Always rinse your split peas under cold water to remove any debris. This simple step ensures a cleaner and tastier soup.
- Layering Flavors: For a deeper flavor profile, consider sautéing the onion, carrots, and celery in a little olive oil before adding them to the Crock Pot. This enhances their sweetness and adds richness to the soup.
- Adjusting Salt: Be cautious with salt; the ham hock will contribute its own saltiness. Start with a small amount and adjust to taste after cooking.
- Cooking Time: If you're short on time, you can cook the soup on high for about 4 hours instead of low for 8 hours, but the flavors will be even better with the longer cooking time.
- Storage: This soup keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, and it freezes beautifully. Make a big batch and enjoy it later for a quick meal!
- Serving Suggestions: Serve your soup with a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or thyme and a side of crusty bread or buttery crackers for a complete meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 35mg
