Simmering Split Pea Soup in a Crock Pot

Cooking a Sluggish Pea Soup in a Crockpot

So, Here's the Buzz on That Slippery Creamy Soup

Get ready to dip your spoon into some comforting, homely goodness with this spectacular slow cooker split pea soup. It's the kind of dish that fills your belly and warms your soul, all while making your home smell like heaven. Let's dive in!

Yield: 6 to 8 hearty servings
Difficulty: Wake-up-and-stumble-your-way-through-it easy
Total: 15 mins prep, plus 5 to 10 hours slow cooking
Active: Just 15 blissfully free minutes

Which ingredients line up for this magical meal?

1 lb (450g) green or yellow split peas, rinsed and drained
2 carrots, peeled and diced like there's no tomorrow!
2 celery stalks, chopped and ready to thrust themselves into flavor-ville
1/2 onion, diced like a pro or as best as you can manage when you're half asleep
2 cloves of garlic, minced if you have a garlic press; if not, a sharp knife and your finest anger will do just fine
2 sprigs of fresh Italian parsley, who knew these little guys were so powerful?
1 bay leaf, because who doesn't love a good surprise hidden in their soup?
A meaty smoked ham bone or 2 ham hocks (about 1 lb), because everyone needs a little meat in their life
4 cups low-sodium chicken or veggie stock, because it's all about balance, baby
2 cups water, because you can't make soup without it now, can you?
Sprinkle a bit of Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, just to wake the whole damn thing up

Now, the no-brainer steps to soup heaven:

Gently arrange the peas in the slow cooker's insert, then piled high with carrots, celery, onion, garlic, parsley, and that pesky bay leaf. Prop the ham bone or hocks on top, like some sort of rustic ouija board.
When you're feeling particularly civilized, pour in the chicken or veggie stock and water, then sprinkle some salt and pepper to liven things up.
Cover that baby and let everything simmer on high for 5 to 6 hours or low and slow for 8 to 10 hours. Pro-tip: You can fucking total the layoff on this one, as long as you listen to your ole buddy Siri reminding you about your soup later.
Once the ham bone or hocks are cool enough for you to handle, tear out the meat and throw it back into the soup cauldron. Toss the skin and bones into the bin, where they belong.
Finally, taste and season with more salt and pepper if necessary, because this is your souperbowl, baby!

Make-ahead note: This gourmet delight can be totally prepped through step 1 and refrigerated, covered, in the slow cooker's insert for up to 12 hours until you're ready to let it cook. So, you can start this on your way out the door, and come home to a house reeking of family, creativity, and deliciousness.

Enjoy this guilt-free, budget-friendly comfort food masterpiece while reflecting on the inner workings of your life. Just remember, every bean represents an opportunity to grow, so dig in!

Incorporate split peas, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, fresh Italian parsley, bay leaf, ham bone or ham hocks, low-sodium chicken or vegetable stock, water, and seasonings into a crockpot to create a delicious split pea soup recipe.
For nutrition-conscious eaters, this slow cooker recipe offers a comforting, budget-friendly meal option that can be served as a main dish or side dish.
Following the recipe's instructions, split the peas, vegetables, and seasonings in the crockpot, add the stock and water, and cook on high for 5 to 6 hours or on low for 8 to 10 hours, then add the cooked ham meat and discard the skin and bones.
After tasting and adjusting the seasonings, serve this hearty soup, which is a great addition to your healthy meal plan and offers plenty of opportunities for personal growth, much like the peas in the dish.