Are you ready to transform your kitchen into a haven of mouthwatering aromas? Imagine coming home to a rich, creamy split pea soup that's been simmering all day, filling your home with an irresistible fragrance that promises pure comfort and satisfaction. This American classic isn't just a soup - it's a warm hug in a bowl that will make your taste buds dance and your family beg for seconds!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 8 hrs
Total Time: 8 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup split peas, rinsed
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Thoroughly rinse the split peas under cold water to remove any debris or stones, then drain completely.
- Prepare the vegetables by washing and chopping the onion, carrots, and celery into uniform small dice to ensure even cooking and consistent texture.
- Add the rinsed split peas, chopped onion, diced carrots, and diced celery into the slow cooker basin.
- Pour the vegetable broth over the ingredients, ensuring all components are mostly submerged in liquid.
- Drop the bay leaf into the mixture, which will infuse a subtle herbal flavor during cooking.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, remembering you can adjust seasoning later if needed.
- Cover the slow cooker and set to low heat setting, allowing the soup to cook slowly for 7-8 hours until peas are completely tender and have broken down.
- After cooking time completes, remove the bay leaf and discard.
- Use an immersion blender to partially or fully puree the soup to desired consistency, or mash with a potato masher for a rustic texture.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed before serving hot.
Tips
- Always rinse split peas thoroughly to remove any potential debris and ensure a clean, pure flavor.
- Chop vegetables uniformly to guarantee even cooking and consistent texture throughout the soup.
- For a richer flavor, consider sautéing the onions, carrots, and celery briefly before adding to the slow cooker to enhance their natural sweetness.
- Don't rush the cooking process - slow and low is the key to developing deep, complex flavors.
- If you prefer a smoother soup, use an immersion blender to puree to your desired consistency. For a more rustic feel, a potato masher works perfectly.
- Experiment with additional herbs like thyme or rosemary to customize the flavor profile.
- For added protein, consider adding diced ham or bacon during the last hour of cooking.
- The soup can be stored in the refrigerator for 4-5 days, and the flavor often improves with time.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 2g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
