Instructions
-
Prepare the Ingredients: Rinse the split peas in a fine-mesh strainer under cold water and pick out any small stones or shriveled peas. Chop the onion and carrots. Mince the garlic if using.
-
Combine in Crockpot: Place the rinsed peas, chopped onion, sliced carrots, and minced garlic (if using) into the bottom of a 5 to 6-quart slow cooker.
-
Add the Ham and Liquid: Nestle the ham bone, ham hocks, or diced ham into the mixture. Pour in the 6 cups of chicken broth. Add the bay leaf and dried thyme.
-
Note: Do not add salt at this stage, especially if using a ham bone or store-bought broth, as they are already salty. You will adjust the seasoning at the very end.
-
-
Slow Cook:
-
Cover and cook on LOW for 8-10 hours, or on HIGH for 4-5 hours. The soup is done when the peas are tender and have broken down, creating a thick and creamy texture. The meat should be falling off the bone.
-
-
Remove Meat and Bay Leaf: Carefully remove the ham bone/hocks and the bay leaf from the slow cooker and discard the bay leaf.
-
Shred the Meat (If using bone or hocks): If you used a ham bone or hocks, let the meat cool slightly on a cutting board until it’s cool enough to handle. Pick off any usable ham, shred or chop it, and discard the bones, fat, and gristle.
-
Finish and Season: Return the shredded ham to the slow cooker. Stir well. Taste the soup and then season generously with salt and pepper. You will likely need a surprising amount of pepper. If the soup is too thick for your liking, stir in a little hot water or additional broth until it reaches your desired consistency.
-
Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls. It’s delicious on its own or served with crusty bread or a simple side salad.
Tips for the Best Soup
-
For a Smokier Flavor: You can add a smoked turkey leg along with the ham for an extra layer of smoky goodness.
-
Don’t Skip the Sauté (Optional Step for More Flavor): For even deeper flavor, you can sauté the chopped onion and carrots in a skillet with a little olive oil for 5-7 minutes until softened before adding them to the crockpot.
-
Thickness: Split pea soup thickens significantly as it cools. If you have leftovers, you may need to add a splash of broth or water when reheating.
