Are you ready to transform a simple handful of ingredients into a bowl of pure comfort? This slow cooker split pea soup is about to become your new favorite cold-weather companion! Imagine coming home to a kitchen filled with the rich, hearty aroma of perfectly simmered split peas, tender vegetables, and a depth of flavor that will make your taste buds dance with joy. Whether you're a busy professional, a home cook, or someone looking for a nutritious and delicious meal, this recipe is your ticket to culinary bliss!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 6 hrs
Total Time: 6 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup split peas
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse the split peas thoroughly under cold running water to remove any debris or small stones.
- Prepare the vegetables by washing and chopping the onion, carrots, and celery into small, uniform pieces to ensure even cooking and distribution of flavors.
- Place the rinsed split peas into the slow cooker, followed by the chopped onion, carrots, and celery.
- Pour the vegetable broth over the ingredients, ensuring that the peas and vegetables are completely covered.
- Add the bay leaf to the slow cooker, which will infuse a subtle herbal flavor into the soup.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, keeping in mind that you can adjust the seasoning later if needed.
- Cover the slow cooker and set it to low heat, allowing the soup to cook slowly for 6 hours.
- Stir the soup occasionally during cooking to prevent any ingredients from sticking to the bottom of the cooker.
- After 6 hours, remove the bay leaf and discard it.
- Use an immersion blender to partially or fully blend the soup to your desired consistency. Alternatively, you can mash some of the peas with a potato masher for a rustic texture.
- Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if required.
- Let the soup rest for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or a drizzle of olive oil.
Tips
- Always rinse your split peas thoroughly to remove any debris and prevent unwanted grittiness in your soup.
- For extra flavor, consider sautéing the onions, carrots, and celery briefly before adding them to the slow cooker to enhance their natural sweetness.
- If you prefer a smoother soup, use an immersion blender to achieve your desired consistency. For a chunkier texture, use a potato masher instead.
- Don't be afraid to experiment with additional herbs and spices like thyme, rosemary, or a touch of smoked paprika to customize the flavor profile.
- If the soup becomes too thick during cooking, simply add a little more vegetable broth to reach your preferred consistency.
- This soup freezes beautifully! Store in airtight containers for up to 3 months for a quick and easy future meal.
- For added protein, consider stirring in some diced ham or bacon during the last hour of cooking for a classic twist on the traditional recipe.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 170kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 11g
Fat: 1g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
