Pea and ham soup is the ultimate comfort food, a hearty and flavorful dish perfect for chilly evenings or a lazy weekend. The slow cooker makes achieving that melt-in-your-mouth ham and perfectly tender peas effortless. This recipe focuses on maximizing flavor and simplicity, resulting in a soup that's both delicious and easy to make.
What Kind of Ham Should I Use for Pea and Ham Soup?
This is a frequently asked question, and the answer depends on your preference and what you have available. You can use leftover cooked ham bone-in or boneless, ham hock, or even a few slices of deli ham in a pinch. A bone-in ham hock or leftover ham bone will impart the richest, most savory flavor to your soup due to the collagen rendering down and creating a richer broth. However, boneless ham or deli ham works well for a quicker preparation, though the flavor will be slightly less intense.
Can I Make Pea and Ham Soup in a Slow Cooker Without a Ham Bone?
Absolutely! As mentioned above, boneless ham, diced ham, or even some pre-cooked ham cubes will still create a delicious pea and ham soup. You might want to add a bouillon cube or some ham base for extra flavor to compensate for the lack of a bone's collagen and savory essence. The result won't be as intensely flavorful as with a bone-in ham, but it will still be a satisfying and tasty soup.
How Long Should I Cook Pea and Ham Soup in a Slow Cooker?
The cooking time for pea and ham soup in a slow cooker depends on the type of ham you're using. With a bone-in ham hock, you'll likely need 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. If using boneless ham or pre-cooked ham, you can reduce the cooking time to 4-6 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high. The goal is to achieve tender peas and a perfectly softened ham. Overcooking can result in mushy peas, so keep an eye on the cooking time.
What Vegetables Can I Add to Pea and Ham Soup?
While peas are the star, you can definitely add other vegetables to enhance the flavor and nutritional value of your pea and ham soup. Consider adding carrots, celery, potatoes, or even some leeks for a richer, more complex flavor profile. These vegetables should be added along with the ham at the beginning of the cooking process to ensure they are cooked through.
What Are the Best Types of Peas to Use?
You can use either fresh or frozen peas for this recipe. Fresh peas will offer a slightly sweeter and brighter flavor, but frozen peas are perfectly acceptable and often more convenient. If using frozen peas, add them during the last 30-45 minutes of cooking to prevent them from becoming overcooked and mushy.
Slow Cooker Pea and Ham Soup Recipe (Serves 6-8)
Ingredients:
- 1 lb bone-in ham hock (or 1 lb boneless ham, diced)
- 8 cups chicken broth (or water)
- 2 cups dried split peas (or 4 cups frozen peas)
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Salt to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Place the ham hock (or diced ham), carrots, celery, onion, garlic, thyme, and pepper in your slow cooker.
- Pour in the chicken broth (or water).
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours (or high for 3-4 hours), or until the ham is tender and the peas are cooked through. If using frozen peas, add them during the last 30-45 minutes of cooking.
- Remove the ham hock from the slow cooker and let it cool slightly. Shred the meat and return it to the soup.
- Season with salt to taste.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Enjoy your delicious and comforting slow cooker pea and ham soup! Remember to adjust the seasonings to your personal preference. This recipe is a great starting point—feel free to experiment with different herbs and vegetables to create your own unique version.
