Pea and Ham Soup Slow Cooker Recipe

Imagine coming home to a warm and comforting bowl of pea and ham soup, slow-cooked to perfection in your very own kitchen. This classic combination of flavours and textures is not only satisfying but also incredibly easy to prepare when you use a slow cooker. With minimal preparation and a bit of patience, you can treat yourself and your loved ones to this nourishing and delicious dish.

If you’ve never tried making pea and ham soup in a slow cooker, you’ll be amazed at how simple it is. All you need is a bag of dried peas, a tasty ham hock or joint, and some basic vegetables such as onions, carrots, and celery. The slow cooking process allows the flavours to develop and meld together, resulting in a rich and hearty soup that celebrates the essence of home-cooked goodness. The slow cooker is one of my favourite kitchen appliances for busy weekdays. I just throw all the ingredients into the pot in the morning, and our meal is ready and waiting for us at dinner time.

Don’t worry if you’re new to slow cooking or haven’t prepared pea and ham soup before. I’ll guide you step by step through the entire process, from selecting the right ingredients to achieving the perfect consistency for your soup. By the end of this article, you’ll be well-equipped to create this quintessential comfort food whenever the mood strikes.

Choosing the Ingredients

When making a delightful pea and ham soup in your slow cooker, one of the essential steps is selecting the best ingredients:

Quality of Peas and Ham

Firstly, you should always opt for high-quality peas and ham. While you can use frozen peas, fresh peas will have a more vibrant taste. If you are using dried peas, remember to soak them overnight. I’ll be using dried peas for this recipe because I find them handier to keep in the cupboard.

For the ham, choose a high-quality piece, preferably a smoked variety to add depth to the flavour. You could use a ham hock, which is budget-friendly and will release a rich, tasty broth as it cooks. Alternatively, pre-cooked ham chunks can also be used, making the dish quicker and more convenient.

Selecting the Best Vegetables

In addition to peas and ham, your soup will benefit from a mix of other veggies that complement the main ingredients and add some valuable nutrition for the kids too. These are the vegetables I often use when I’m making pea and ham soup in the slow cooker:

• Onion – a common ingredient in soups, provides a tasty base
• Carrots – their natural sweetness complements the peas
• Potatoes – a starch that thickens the soup while enhancing its consistency
• Leeks – add extra depth to both the flavour and texture

Preparing the Ingredients

In this section, we’ll guide you through the process of preparing the ingredients for your delicious pea and ham soup in your slow cooker.

Soaking the Dried Peas

If you’re using dried peas, it’s essential to soak the peas properly. Here’s how to do it:

1. Place your dried peas in a large bowl or container.
2. Fill the bowl with enough cold water to cover the peas by at least 5 cm (2 inches).
3. Let the peas soak for at least 8 hours, or ideally, overnight.
4. Once the peas have soaked, drain and rinse them well.

You can skip this step if you’re using fresh or frozen peas and just jump straight to preparing the other vegetables.

Dicing the Vegetables

Now it’s time to prepare the vegetables that will add flavour and texture to your soup:

• Dice your onion, carrots, and celery into small, even pieces. This will help them cook evenly and make for a smoother, more enjoyable soup.
• Wash, dry, and chop any fresh herbs you’re using, such as parsley.
• Peel and mince your garlic cloves.

Cutting the Ham

Last but not least, let’s prepare the ham:

Remove any excess fat and cut the ham into small, bite-sized pieces. You can use a sharp knife or kitchen scissors for this task.

Now that all your ingredients are prepared, you’re ready to start cooking your pea and ham soup in your slow cooker. Happy cooking!

Using the Slow Cooker

Making pea and ham soup in a slow cooker is easy and efficient. In this section, we will go through the process of layering ingredients, and setting the cooking time and temperature. Let’s get started!

Layering the Ingredients

First, you’ll need to prepare your ingredients for the soup. Here’s a quick list of what you’ll need:

• 500g dried split peas, rinsed and drained
• 500g smoked ham, diced
• 1 litre chicken stock
• 3 carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Begin by adding half of the split peas to your slow cooker. Then layer the ham on top, followed by the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. Finish by adding the remaining split peas and pouring in the chicken stock.

Setting the Cooking Time and Temperature

With your slow cooker filled with delicious ingredients, it’s time to set the cooking time and temperature. The optimal setting for pea and ham soup is to cook on low heat for 8 hours or on high heat for 4 hours. Choose the setting that best fits your schedule and preferences.

In case your slow cooker has additional settings for “Keep Warm” or timer functions, you can use these options to maintain the temperature of your soup until you’re ready to enjoy it. Be sure to give everything a good stir once or twice during the cooking process to ensure even cooking and to blend the flavours.

Cooking Variations

While pea and ham soup is a classic slow cooker recipe, you might want to explore different flavours and ingredients. In this section, we will discuss alternative seasonings and substituting other proteins.

Alternative Seasonings

Don’t hesitate to experiment with various seasonings to diversify your soup’s taste. Here are a few suggestions:

• Add a pinch of smoked paprika for a smoky flavour.
• Include a bay leaf or two for a subtle, earthy tone.
• For a hint of sweetness, sprinkle in a bit of nutmeg.
• Give your soup a kick with some cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes.

Feel free to add or adjust seasonings according to your preferences.

Substituting Other Proteins

If you fancy a change from the traditional ham, you can substitute in other proteins:

Protein	Instructions
Chicken	Use cooked, shredded chicken in place of ham. Add it to the slow cooker towards the end of the cooking process to keep it tender.
Turkey	Swap out the ham for cooked, diced turkey. Like chicken, add it near the end of the cooking time to preserve its texture.
Vegetarian	For a vegetarian option, use canned or pre-cooked lentils or chickpeas instead of ham. They will add a similar hearty thickness to the soup.

Experimenting with different proteins can offer new taste experiences and accommodate dietary requirements.

Serving Suggestions

Accompaniments

When it comes to enjoying your pea and ham soup, you have several options for accompaniments. Here are a few suggestions:

• Crusty bread: A warm, fresh loaf of crusty bread is ideal for dipping into your soup and soaking up all the delicious flavours.
• Garlic pizza bread: Combine this warming dish with my air fryer garlic pizza bread.
• Croutons: Add some crunch to your soup by sprinkling a handful of homemade or store-bought croutons on top.
• Salad: If you’re looking for a lighter side dish, a simple green salad with a tangy dressing is a perfect choice.

Storing and Reheating

After enjoying your meal, you might have some leftover pea and ham soup. Here’s how to store and reheat it:

1. Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to a storage container with an airtight lid.
2. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze it for up to 3 months.
3. When you’re ready to reheat your soup, transfer it to a saucepan if refrigerated, or allow it to defrost in the refrigerator overnight before reheating if frozen.
4. Heat the soup over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it reaches a simmer. Be sure to check that the soup has reached the right temperature before serving.

This recipe is simple, yet the outcome is a flavourful and satisfying meal. With minimal preparation, you’re able to enjoy a nutritious dish that’s perfect for sharing with family and friends.

By using your slow cooker, you’re not only saving time, but you’re also allowing the flavours to develop and combine, giving your soup an irresistible depth. The versatility of this dish means you can tailor it to your liking, ensuring it becomes a meal you’ll turn to time and time again.