Comforting and delicious, this Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup with Ham Hocks will convert even a pea hater, into a pea lover. Please, I beg of you...Give Peas A Chance!
For other delicious hot and hearty comfort food meals, look no further. I have plenty I know you'll enjoy. For instance, Italian Sausage and Fennel White Bean Soup, Homestyle Pork Pot Pie, Roasted Corn and Potato Chowder, and French Onion Short Ribs are just a few that come to mind.
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Table of Contents Found Here
- The ingredients:
- Ingredient information:
- Cooking tools and equipment needed:
- How this recipe came to be:
- What I wrote about this recipe in 2015:
- Can this split pea soup be made on the stovetop?
- Add-in and substitution suggestions:
- Health benefits of split peas:
- Why is it important to sort and rinse split peas?
- Get MORE soup, stew, and chowder recipes!!
- What to serve alongside Split Pea Soup?
- Printable Recipe Card
- Please comment if you've made this recipe.
The ingredients:
*Please note that the exact measurements along with a "shop the recipe" feature from Instacart and Walmart is available inside the printable recipe card.
Ingredient information:
SPLIT PEAS - A dried legume previously shelled and split. Split peas are typically found on the bottom shelf in plastic bags in the grocery store's canned bean and rice aisle. They may also be found in the bulk bin section of some markets.
HAM HOCKS - These are great for long-cooked foods, so all the flavor can be extracted from the meat and bone. Ham hocks are sections of the lower leg of a pig and can also be known as pig knuckles. Ham hocks are smoked and cured, adding a wonderful smoky bacon flavor to food.
CHICKEN STOCK - I use low or no-sodium chicken stock from the market when I don't have any homemade chicken stock on hand. Chicken stock is richer in flavor than chicken broth because it's made with the bones of the chicken, whereas chicken broth is not. If desired, chicken broth may be used instead of chicken stock in this recipe.
SALSA - While this may be an unconventional ingredient for a split pea soup, it's one that I truly believe makes this particular recipe extra flavorful and unique. Feel free to use your favorite variety and heat level of the prepared salsa you use. The choice is yours.
DICED HAM - Along with the ham hocks, diced ham gives this split pea soup an extra meaty texture and extra protein. Leftover ham works excellent for this soup, but if you don't have any, a package of pre-diced ham or a ham steak from the grocery store is fine.
CHOPPED CELERY - What self-respecting soup doesn't include chopped celery and carrots? None that I can think of. If you're averse to adding celery to this recipe (for whatever reason), feel free to omit it.
CHOPPED CARROTS - Same as above regarding carrots. Chopped carrots add a slight sweetness to the final soup, not to mention the bright pop of color chopped carrots provide. If you'd prefer not to add carrots, parsnips are a great substitution, but you'll forgo all that excellent color. The choice is yours.
GROUND CORIANDER - This spice is derived from the cilantro plant and adds a brightness and fresh flavor component that elevates this long-cooked soup from good to great! Even if you're not a fan of cilantro, please do not omit this ingredient!
SMOKED PAPRIKA - The smoked paprika is another way to add a slightly sweet and smoky flavor element to this delicious split pea soup. Smoked paprika is made from red peppers, which have been dried over an open fire, giving the spice its tremendous depth of smoky flavor.
DRIED BAY LEAVES - When I want a soup or stew to have optimal flavor, I ALWAYS add dried bay leaves to the pot (or slow cooker, for instance). Bay leaves add an herbal depth of flavor that develops over time in any long-cooked dish. Bay leaves are an essential ingredient for flavor, but make sure to remove them before serving.
GARLIC POWDER - Garlic lovers, unite! This ingredient quantity may be adjusted according to your preferences. Fresh minced garlic may be used instead of garlic powder, or you may omit the garlic completely. The choice is yours.
KOSHER SALT AND BLACK PEPPER - I always write my recipes using kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper for the best flavor. Feel free to use table salt if you prefer, but take special note of the gray box below if doing so.
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*Important Note—If using table salt instead of kosher salt, please cut back on the amount of salt called for in the recipe card by half because they measure differently due to grain size.
Cooking tools and equipment needed:
- slow cooker
- measuring cups and spoons
- chef's knife
- cutting board
- vegetable peeler
- colander
- wooden spoon
- ladle
- soup cups or bowls
How this recipe came to be:
I originally published this recipe in 2015, but it was finally time to revisit it and update the post. I've updated the photos and added much more information about this recipe, including a printable recipe card it didn't have before. However, the recipe itself has not changed since 2015 because if it ain't broke, don't fix it. LOL
What I wrote about this recipe in 2015:
My husband's least favorite vegetable is peas, so my quest was to make a split pea soup that even he would enjoy. Personal challenge accepted. Game on!
I'm pleased to announce that even though my husband wasn't very thrilled when I told him that we were having split pea soup for dinner the day I had made this, while he was eating this Slow-Cooker Split Pea Soup with Ham, he told me how much he liked it and gave it a full two thumbs up! Score!
Another way I added unexpected flavor to the pot is by stirring in some prepared salsa. Doing this gave the soup a lovely color and took away some of the "greenness" that I thought would be a turn-off for other pea-haters like my husband.
You'll notice that the peas in this soup are not all mushy and soft, even after cooking for hours and hours in the cooker. That's what my husband appreciated most about the peas in this soup. They still had a soft bite, so his whole "pea texture" thing was no longer an issue. Yay!
I'm so happy that my husband enjoyed this soup and that I have his blessing to make it again during the upcoming winter months. Slow cooking is a great way to prepare a meal early in the day, especially when making dinner at the end of the day, which is the last thing you want to do after work. Even if work means you've been blogging all day in your pajamas. LOL. I'm just kidding. I always put my clothes on!
Can this split pea soup be made on the stovetop?
Yes, it sure can.
Follow the instructions for the slow cooker, but add the ingredients into a heavy bottom Dutch oven, cover, and simmer on the lowest heat possible (stirring occasionally) for 6 hours or until the peas are tender but not mushy.
OR, add all the ingredients into the Dutch oven, stir well, partially cover, and place in a low oven (300 degrees F) for 6 hours (stirring occasionally and returning it to the oven) until the peas are tender but not mushy.
Add-in and substitution suggestions:
As mentioned above, parsnips may be substituted for carrots if desired.
A can or two of diced tomatoes may be swapped for the salsa if you prefer.
Partially cooked and drained bacon may be used in place of, or in addition to, the ham hocks.
Cooked chicken, turkey, or your favorite sausage may be added to the split pea soup for extra flavor and protein.
Health benefits of split peas:
Split peas are an excellent source of fiber and protein and an excellent source of isoflavones that may reduce the risk of certain types of cancer.
Why is it important to sort and rinse split peas?
It is essential to thoroughly sort through the dried split peas to remove any small stones or tiny pebbles that may be present.
Rinsing split peas under running water in a colander or strainer will wash off any dirt or dust that may be present in the packaging.
Get MORE soup, stew, and chowder recipes!!
What to serve alongside Split Pea Soup?
Homemade bread is a wonderful accompaniment to split pea soup.
I suggest one of these homemade yeast bread recipes that will warm your heart as well as fill your kitchen with the wonderful aroma of freshly baked yeast bread - Sally Lunn Batter Bread, Oatmeal Honey Bread with Sunflower Seeds, and Onion Rye Bread with Dill.
Or, you can accompany this split pea soup with a savory quick bread option that will pack delicious homemade bread flavor but into a shorter amount of time - Italian Herb and Parmesan Quick Bread, Garlic Rosemary Focaccia Muffins, and Irish Soda Bread with Caraway and Dill.
When you make today's recipe (and I hope that you will), I'd appreciate it if you'd take the time to come back and give it a star rating along with a comment on why you rated as you did.
Search engines such as Google appreciate comments and ratings and, in turn, will show my recipes to more people. Please look for the pink star rating box within the printable recipe card. Thank you!!
Printable Recipe Card
Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup with Ham Hocks
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 package (16 ounces) dried split peas sorted and rinsed
- 2 medium ham hocks
- 1½ cups diced ham
- 1 medium onion diced small
- 2 medium carrots peeled and diced small
- 3 ribs celery diced small
- 6 cups chicken stock
- 3 medium bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1½ cups prepared salsa
- 1½ teaspoons kosher salt
- ¾ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Add all the ingredients into the slow cooker and stir well to combine.
- Cover and cook on high for 6 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Remove the bay leaves and ladle the soup into cups or bowls for serving.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
I sincerely hope you'll enjoy making (and eating) this delicious and easy split pea soup with salsa recipe as much as I've enjoyed bringing it to you.
Should you have any questions or comments regarding anything you've seen on my site, please don't hesitate to reach out to contact me. It is always my distinct pleasure to get back with you just as soon as I possibly can!
Thank you so much for visiting me today in my Kudos Kitchen. I hope you found something you'll love and that you will come back and visit me often. Please know that there is always room for you around my kitchen table!
Until we eat again, I hope you have a delicious day!
Stephanie Kirkos says
Slow cooker heaven! Such a fan of split pea soup. Yum!
Nancy Piran says
It is always a great day in the kitchen when we can make those small victories! The soup looks amazing!
Souffle Bombay says
This reminds me of my day...his fav!
Kim Bee says
I love this recipe, it's has such a great depth to it. I love all the amazing yummy flavour you added. This is split pea soup for a new era.
Angie Barrett says
Whatttt how can he hate peas. haha Peas are like totally one of my favorites! YAY for making the soup and for him liking it! Win!
Nutmeg Nanny says
Split pea soup is my husbands favorite! We can easily eat a whole pot of it for dinner. Love that this version is done in the slow cooker.
Michelle De La Cerda says
I haven't had split pea soon in who knows how long. This looks utterly delicious.
Heather Schmitt-Gonzalez says
I absolutely love split pea soup, but haven't had any since at least last year. I wish I could reach in and grab a bowl for myself, it looks incredible!
Cookin' Canuck says
My husband isn't a fan of split pea soup, so now I really want to make this to see if I can sway him. It looks so comforting and hearty, Renee!
Erin Dee says
Haha. How awesome that you were able to get your husband to like a pea dish! Good going. 🙂 I wish my husband were so dedicated to my veggie issues. 😉
Angie says
It's been so long since I made split pea soup. This recipe looks so good, I've got to make it again soon!
Andi Gleeson says
I love all the ham in there. Delicious!
Paula Jones says
I'm pretty sure I just need to leave my slow cooker on the counter now ; )
Megan Keno says
Soup with ham is one of my fall faves!!
Kimberly Killebrew says
Split pea and ham soup has always been a favorite - such a great comfort soup! This slow cooker version looks so flavorful and delicious!
The Food Hunter says
nothing like a steamy bowl of split pea soup
Savory Experiments says
Any soup or dish made in the slow cooker is right up my alley this time of year. This looks like the perfect comfort food.
Kacey Joanette says
I am not a huge pea lover either, but there is just something about split pea soup! My mother-in-law always makes me a vegetarian recipe, but your ham ones sounds divine and something my husband and daughter would love (because they sure love their meat!)