This pea and ham stew is a favorite comfort food, which warms the body from within. It’s especially good on a cold day. This hearty soup is a classic, thanks to the rustic ingredients, rich flavors, and satisfying texture. Slow cookers simplify the cooking process and allow the flavors to intensify, resulting in a delicious meal that requires minimal effort. Learn how to prepare pea and ham in a slow-cooker, with tips and ideas for serving.
What Makes It Special?
This soup is unique because it combines humble ingredients into something special when they are cooked slowly and over time. The main ingredients are:
Split Peas – These are dried yellow or green peas which soften and thicken the soup when cooked for a long time.
Ham Bone – The salty, smoky flavor of the ham is infused into the soup.
Onion celery and carrots – This classic trio brings sweetness, depth and balance to the flavors.
Bay leaves and garlic for added flavor and aroma.
Stock or water- You can use either, but a high quality vegetable or chicken stock will enhance the flavor.
Optional herbs- Thyme and parsley will add freshness to your final product.
Slow cookers are a great way to combine simple ingredients. They require only some preparation and patience.
How to Make Pea and Ham Soup in a Slow Cooker
Prepare your vegetables. Peel and chop the celery and carrots into small pieces. For added flavor, mince the garlic.
Rinse split peas. Place the dried split beans in a colander, and rinse under cold water. It’s not necessary to soak the split peas before rinsing, but it will help remove dust and debris.
Add the vegetables, bay leaves, and garlic to the bottom of your slow cooker. On top, place the ham bone or ham hock. Pour enough stock or water to cover the ingredients. (Usually 6-8 cups depending on how big your slow cooker is).
Cook at low. Cover and cook for 8-10 hours on low, or 5-6 hours on high. The peas and ham should be soft and fall off the bone. The broth should have a creamy consistency.
Remove the ham hock after cooking. Allow it to cool down, and then shred your meat. Discard any bones or fat. Stir the meat into the slow cooker.
Season according to taste. Salt and pepper should be added only at the very end. The ham is already quite salty, and the soup may have been seasoned enough by the time it was cooked.
Tips for Success
Use an ox hock. The more meat you have on the bone the heartier the soup. You can use leftover ham, or a mixture of the two.
Do not skip the rinse. Rinsing split peas will help prevent bitterness, and make the soup cleaner.
To achieve a smoother texture, use an immersion blender to blend a part or the entire soup before adding back the ham shredded.
Check the liquid level. If your soup becomes too thick, add a little more water or stock to make it thinner.
Make Ahead and Storage
This soup is a great meal to prepare ahead. It often tastes better the second day, as the flavors continue developing. You can store leftovers for up 4 days in the fridge or up to 3 month in the freezer. Heat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding water or stock to thin the mixture if necessary.
Serving Suggestions
This comforting soup is perfect with a crusty loaf of bread, garlic toast or a buttery bun for a full meal. You can enhance the presentation by adding a sprinkle of black pepper or cream. You can add frozen peas or diced potatoes to the dish near the end.
Conclusion
Slow-cooked pea and ham is a great example of what simple ingredients can do. This recipe is perfect for a family meal, preparing for the week, or if you just want something hearty and warm. Enjoy this classic recipe with little effort by letting your slow cooker handle the cooking.