Are you looking for a delicious, easy-to-make, and healthy meal? Look no further than this 534 DIY recipe for delicious crock pot split pea soup! This hearty soup is perfect for chilly nights, busy weekdays, or lazy weekends. Plus, it’s packed with protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making it a nutritious and satisfying dish. So, grab your crock pot, and let’s get started!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound dried split peas
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 carrots, chopped
- 3 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 6 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 ham hock or 2 smoked turkey wings (optional)
- Salt, to taste
Instructions:
- Rinse and drain the split peas.
- Chop the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic.
- Place the split peas, chopped vegetables, bay leaves, thyme, rosemary, smoked paprika, black pepper, cayenne pepper, broth, and ham hock or smoked turkey wings (if using) in a crock pot.
- Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours.
- Remove the ham hock or smoked turkey wings (if using) and bay leaves.
- Blend the soup with an immersion blender or in batches in a blender or food processor until smooth and creamy.
- Add salt, to taste.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Nutritional Information:
Each serving of this crock pot split pea soup (1/6 of the recipe) contains approximately:
- Calories: 300
- Protein: 20g
- Fat: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 51g
- Fiber: 21g
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 800mg (depending on the broth and ham hock or smoked turkey wings used)
Cooking Time:
This crock pot split pea soup takes about 8 hours on low or 4 hours on high to cook.
Equipment:
You will need a crock pot, cutting board, knife, measuring cups and spoons, and an immersion blender or a blender or food processor to make this recipe.
Serving Suggestions:
This crock pot split pea soup is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with crusty bread, crackers, or a side salad. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, croutons, or a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, if desired.
Variations:
You can customize this crock pot split pea soup to your taste by:
- Using different vegetables, such as potatoes, sweet potatoes, parsnips, or bell peppers.
- Adding meat, such as diced ham, cooked bacon, or sausage.
- Using different herbs and spices, such as basil, oregano, coriander, or curry powder.
- Using different broth, such as beef, mushroom, or miso.
Substitutions:
You can make this crock pot split pea soup with the following substitutions:
- Dried split peas: You can use green or yellow split peas or lentils instead.
- Ham hock or smoked turkey wings: You can omit the meat or use smoked ham, bacon, or sausage instead.
- Vegetable or chicken broth: You can use beef, mushroom, or miso broth instead.
Storage:
This crock pot split pea soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply microwave or heat on the stove until hot.
Tips:
- For a thicker soup, use less broth or blend less.
- For a chunkier soup, blend less or mash some of the peas and vegetables with a fork or potato masher.
- If you don’t have an immersion blender, be careful when blending hot soup in a blender or food processor. Let the soup cool slightly, and blend in batches, filling the blender or food processor no more than halfway full.
- If you’re using smoked ham, bacon, or sausage instead of ham hock or smoked turkey wings, cook the meat first and add it to the soup at the end or use it as a garnish.
Notes:
This crock pot split pea soup is vegan and gluten-free, unless you use ham hock or smoked turkey wings and non-gluten-free broth. It’s also a good source of iron, potassium, and vitamin C.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make this crock pot split pea soup on the stove?
Yes, you can make this crock pot split pea soup on the stove by following the same instructions, but using a large pot instead of a crock pot and simmering the soup over low heat for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally. Add more broth if necessary.
Can I use a different type of legume?
Yes, you can use green or yellow split peas or lentils instead of dried split peas. Just adjust the cooking time and broth amount accordingly.
Can I freeze this crock pot split pea soup?
Yes, you can freeze this crock pot split pea soup in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. To thaw, simply transfer the soup to the refrigerator overnight or microwave on low power, stirring occasionally, until thawed.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, you can double this crock pot split pea soup recipe to feed a crowd or to have leftovers. Just make sure to use a large enough crock pot and adjust the cooking time accordingly.
What can I serve with this crock pot split pea soup?
You can serve this crock pot split pea soup with crusty bread, crackers, or a side salad. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, croutons, or a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, if desired.
Personal Thoughts:
As an AI language model, I don’t have personal thoughts or opinions. However, I can say that this crock pot split pea soup is a delicious and satisfying meal that is easy to make and healthy to eat. It’s a perfect choice for busy weeknights, lazy weekends, or any time you want a warm and comforting soup. The combination of split peas, vegetables, and spices creates a rich and flavorful broth that is both filling and nutritious. Plus, you can customize this soup to your taste by adding your favorite ingredients or spices. So, why not give this crock pot split pea soup a try and see for yourself how delicious and easy it is?