It’s March! We made it through the two chilliest months of the year, the days will start getting longer and SPRING is almost here. I can’t complain too much, though, as we’ve had a ridiculously warm winter here in Chicago. So warm, in fact, that Em has used her snowsuit a grand total of ONE time. At least we got in one snow angel.
Despite our warmish winter, we’re not quite ready to break out the flip-flops just yet, so we’re still in need of some warming meals. This Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup fits this transition time perfectly, with one foot in winter (read: warm and comforting soup) and one foot in spring (read: green, healthy and easy cooking).
And I don’t think it gets much easier than this soup. It is literally 6, yes SIX, ingredients and 5, yes FIVE, easy steps. Layer your split peas, onion, celery, carrots and ham together in the slow cooker (you don’t even have to stir!), top with chicken broth and let it be. Several hours later, when you return home from making snow angels and/or flip-flop shopping, it’s done!
I like to use a smoked pork shoulder in this recipe because it imparts a deep, smoky flavor to the soup. I usually shy away from using ham hocks for the simple reason that they’re not meaty enough for my meat-and-potatoes husband. I buy the smoked pork in the meat department of my grocery store, near where you’d buy a large ham. This would also be a great opportunity to use your leftover Easter ham, like my father-in-law does.
Super thick and hearty (like you could eat it with a fork, thick and hearty) meets healthy, full of protein and fiber, and pretty gosh-darn good for those flip-flop days ahead.
(Side note: the photos here don’t do this soup justice…let me just tell you that it’s really hard to photograph Split Pea Soup!)
Little Hands Can…
- Rinse and pick through the split peas, looking for any small pebbles, before adding them to the slow cooker
- Add the vegetables, ham and chicken broth to the slow cooker.
- Shred the ham when it’s done cooking.
- 1 1-pound bag of split peas, rinsed and picked over
- 1 medium onion
- 2 celery stalks
- 2 carrots
- 1 to 1½ pounds smoked pork shoulder or cooked ham
- 2 quarts chicken broth
- salt and pepper
- Layer the split peas in the bottom of a large slow cooker.
- Finely chop the onion, celery and carrots. Layer the chopped vegetables on top of the peas in the slow cooker. DO NOT STIR.
- Cut the pork shoulder/ham into several large chunks and place them on top of the vegetables.
- Pour the chicken broth on top of the peas, vegetables and ham. Season with 1 teaspoon each salt and black pepper. DO NOT STIR.
- Cover and cook on HIGH for 4-5 hours, or LOW for 8-9 hours, until the peas are softened and the soup has thickened. When done, remove the ham chunks and shred the meat. If you desire a smoother consistency, use an immersion blender to blend the soup. Add the shredded ham back into the soup. The soup may seem thin, but it will thicken considerably as it cools. Season the soup to taste and serve.
Store in an airtight container for up to a week in the fridge, or store in the freezer in a freezer-safe container for up to one month.
Recipe adapted from Dave Lieberman
On the Side
Split peas, like lentils, are perfect for sensory play…and for making your own egg shakers! With this recipe, we’re using our split peas to make music. Check out how to make your own musical egg shakers here!
Disclaimer: As with all of our recipes and activities, my suggestions for how kids can help with a particular recipe are based on what has worked in our kitchen. Your child may be able to help more or less based on their age and/or ability. As always, make sure you are properly supervising kids in the kitchen.
Samantha says
March 12, 2016 at 6:34 AMI was just reading through the post and Tyler says “mmmm”. I guess we’re making it soon!
Sally says
March 14, 2016 at 11:20 PMYes! Give it a try! Em loves this soup and it’s thick enough that she can eat it without it getting all over her 🙂
Carol says
March 12, 2016 at 1:54 PMGreat recipe Sally! I have been making split pea soup for years but have never madr it in a slow cooker. I will have to try it! Is the bread one of your home-baked creations as well?
Sally says
March 14, 2016 at 11:19 PMThanks, Carol! It’s so easy in the slow cooker, I actually think I like it better…it’s creamier somehow. Yes, the bread is from my bread maker 🙂 Let me know if you try it!