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Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup

This comforting split pea soup uses a slow cooker to transform simple ingredients into a velvety, smoky broth. Made primarily with split peas, aromatics, and smoked ham hock, it develops a rich, hearty texture that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. The final dish is thick, fragrant, and perfect for chilly evenings, with a smooth, velvety appearance.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 8 minutes
Total Time 8 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Comfort Food
Calories: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound split peas rinsed well to remove grit
  • 4 cups vegetable broth for depth of flavor
  • 2 cups water
  • 1 smoked ham hock optional for smoky richness
  • 1 large onion diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 carrots carrots diced
  • 2 stalks celery diced
  • 2 bay leaves bay leaves
  • to taste salt and pepper

Equipment

  • 6-quart slow cooker
  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board
  • Ladle
  • Immersion blender (optional)

Method
 

  1. Rinse the split peas thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear, then set aside.
  2. Chop the onion, carrots, and celery into small, even dice to create a fragrant base.
  3. If using a smoked ham hock, prepare it now by trimming excess fat and slicing if needed.
  4. Add the rinsed peas, chopped vegetables, vegetable broth, water, and smoked ham hock into the slow cooker. Tuck in the bay leaves, and season with salt and pepper.
  5. Set the slow cooker to low and cook for 6 to 8 hours, until the peas are velvety and the vegetables are tender, filling your kitchen with smoky, earthy aromas.
  6. Once cooked, remove the bay leaves and the smoked ham hock. Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
  7. If desired, use an immersion blender to puree part of the soup for a creamier, velvety texture, or leave it chunky for more bite.
  8. Ladle the hot soup into bowls, allowing the thick, smoky broth to swirl around the tender peas and vegetables. Garnish with fresh herbs if you like.
  9. Enjoy your comforting bowl of split pea soup, perfect for chilly evenings, with crusty bread on the side.

Notes

For a vegetarian version, omit the ham hock and add smoked paprika or liquid smoke to mimic smoky flavor. The soup thickens as it cools, so add hot broth during reheating if needed. Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.