Olivia Carter
If you’re looking for a comforting and hearty soup that’s packed with flavor, look no further than this slow cooker split pea soup with ham bone. Made with simple ingredients and cooked to perfection in a slow cooker, this soup is the ultimate comfort food for chilly days.
The star of this recipe is the ham bone, which imparts a rich and smoky flavor to the soup. The slow cooker allows the flavors to meld together and the peas to become tender and creamy. With each bite, you’ll taste the savory ham, the earthy peas, and the aromatic spices that make this soup truly irresistible.
Not only is this soup delicious, but it’s also incredibly easy to make. All you need to do is throw the ingredients into the slow cooker and let it do its magic. The long cooking time allows the flavors to develop and intensify, resulting in a soup that’s bursting with flavor. Serve it with some crusty bread or a side salad, and you have a complete and satisfying meal.
Preparing the Ingredients
Before you start making the best slow cooker split pea soup with ham bone, it is important to properly prepare all the ingredients. This will ensure that the flavors meld together perfectly and create a delicious, hearty soup.
The first step in preparing the ingredients is to gather all the necessary items. You will need a ham bone with some meat still attached, split peas, an onion, carrots, celery, garlic, bay leaves, thyme, salt, and pepper. Make sure to have these ingredients ready and easily accessible before you begin.
1. Ham Bone and Meat
Start by selecting a high-quality ham bone with some meat still attached. This will provide the soup with a rich and smoky flavor. Remove any excess fat from the bone and cut the meat into small pieces. Set them aside for later use.
2. Split Peas
Carefully inspect the split peas for any debris or stones before cooking. Rinse them thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt or impurities. This step is crucial for ensuring a clean and great-tasting soup.
3. Vegetables
Chop the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic into small, uniform pieces. This will help them cook evenly and add texture to the soup. You can either dice them finely or leave them in larger chunks depending on your preference.
4. Herbs and Seasonings
Gather the bay leaves and thyme for adding flavor to the soup. Measure out the required amount of salt and pepper according to your taste preferences. Seasoning properly is the key to a flavorful soup.
Now that all the ingredients are prepared, you can confidently move on to the next steps of making the best slow cooker split pea soup with ham bone.
Sautéing the Vegetables
One of the key steps in making the best slow cooker split pea soup with ham bone is sautéing the vegetables. This simple technique helps to bring out the flavors of the vegetables and adds depth to the soup.
To start, heat a little bit of oil in a large pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the finely chopped onions and garlic. Sauté them until they become fragrant and the onions turn translucent, about 3-4 minutes. This will help to release the natural sweetness of the onions and garlic, which will enhance the overall taste of the soup.
- Finely chopping the carrots and celery and add them to the pan. Stir them in with the onions and garlic, and cook for another 2-3 minutes. Sautéing the carrots and celery helps to soften them slightly and brings out their natural flavors.
- Finally, add any other vegetables you want to include in your soup, such as diced potatoes or leeks. Sauté them for a few minutes until they start to soften.
Sautéing the vegetables before adding them to the slow cooker allows them to caramelize slightly, which enhances their flavor. It also helps to break down the cell walls of the vegetables, resulting in a smoother and more cohesive texture in the soup.
Once the vegetables are sautéed, you can then transfer them to your slow cooker, along with the ham bone and split peas. This extra step of sautéing the vegetables will make a noticeable difference in the final taste and texture of your slow cooker split pea soup with ham bone.
Adding the Ham Bone and Peas
One of the most important steps in making the best slow cooker split pea soup is adding the ham bone and peas. The ham bone not only adds incredible flavor to the soup, but also provides a rich and hearty base. It’s important to choose a ham bone that is meaty, as this will enhance the overall taste and texture of the soup.
When adding the ham bone to the slow cooker, it’s best to place it in the center, surrounded by the other ingredients. This allows the flavors to meld together as the soup cooks. The peas, on the other hand, should be added towards the end of the cooking process to ensure they maintain their shape and don’t become mushy. Adding the peas too early can result in a less appealing texture.
To further enhance the flavor, you can also add additional seasonings such as thyme, bay leaves, and garlic. These spices complement the natural sweetness of the peas and the savory flavor of the ham bone. By taking the time to add the ham bone and peas properly, you can create a delicious and comforting slow cooker split pea soup that is perfect for any occasion.
Slow Cooking the Soup
When it comes to making the best slow cooker split pea soup with ham bone, the key is in the slow cooking process. Slow cooking allows the flavors to develop and meld together, creating a rich and savory soup that is sure to satisfy.
To start, you’ll want to gather all of your ingredients and prep them accordingly. This includes chopping up the vegetables, such as onions, carrots, and celery, and rinsing the split peas. Once everything is prepped, it’s time to start layering the ingredients in the slow cooker.
- Start by placing the ham bone at the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Add in the chopped vegetables, layering them on top of the ham bone.
- Sprinkle in any desired seasonings, such as thyme, bay leaves, or garlic powder.
- Pour in the rinsed split peas, spreading them evenly over the vegetables.
- Add enough broth or water to cover all of the ingredients. You can adjust the amount of liquid depending on how thick or thin you want your soup to be.
Once all the ingredients are layered in the slow cooker, it’s time to set the temperature and cooking time. For a thick and hearty soup, you’ll want to cook it on low for 6-8 hours. If you’re short on time, you can cook it on high for 3-4 hours, but keep in mind that the flavors may not be as developed.
During the cooking process, be sure to check on the soup occasionally and give it a stir. This will help to evenly distribute the flavors and ensure that nothing is sticking to the bottom of the slow cooker. Additionally, you can adjust the seasoning to taste as needed.
Once the cooking time is up, carefully remove the ham bone from the slow cooker and shred any remaining meat. Add it back into the soup, discarding any fat or bone. Give the soup a final stir and it’s ready to be served.
Slow cooking the split pea soup with ham bone allows the flavors to develop and creates a delicious, hearty soup that is perfect for a chilly day. The long cooking time ensures that the split peas are tender and the ham imparts a smoky, savory flavor. Serve with a side of crusty bread and enjoy a comforting meal.
Serving and Enjoying
Once the slow cooker split pea soup with ham bone is ready, it’s time to serve and enjoy this delicious and comforting meal. Here are a few tips to make the most of your soup:
- Serve hot: This soup is best enjoyed while it’s still hot. Ladle the soup into bowls and serve immediately to savor the flavors.
- Garnish: Sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley or green onions on top of the soup for a pop of color and added freshness.
- Crusty bread: Serve the soup with a side of crusty bread or a warm baguette. The bread is perfect for dipping into the thick and hearty soup.
- Leftovers: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors will continue to develop, making the soup even more delicious the next day.
Now that your slow cooker split pea soup with ham bone is ready to be served and enjoyed, all that’s left is to gather around the table, savor each comforting spoonful, and relish in the satisfaction of a homemade meal.
10 Best Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup With Ham Bone
Burgers' Smokehouse Hickory Smoked Sliced City ham Shanks (5.5 to 6.5 pounds)
Features
| Size | 5.5 to 6.5 pounds |
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- Limited Supplies Available
- Sealed in approximate one pound packages.
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Features
| Size | 16 Pound (Pack of 1) |
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Premium Bone-in Hickory Smoked Spiral-sliced Ham from the Missouri Ozarks 7.25-8.5 lbs from Kansas City Steak Company.
Features
| Part Number | AMAZ7090 |
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6lb-7lb Smoked Bone In Ham - Catullo Prime Meats
Features
| Size | 6-7 Pound (Pack of 1) |
Rays Whole Bone-in Country Ham Ready-to-Bake 10 lb.
Features
| Color | White |
| Size | 16 Pound (Pack of 1) |
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FAQ
What does serving mean?
Serving means providing food, drinks, or other items to customers at a restaurant or event.
How can you enjoy your meal at a restaurant?
You can enjoy your meal at a restaurant by choosing dishes that you like, savoring each bite, and engaging in conversation with dining companions.
What are some ways to enhance the enjoyment of food?
Some ways to enhance the enjoyment of food include practicing mindful eating, trying new and exciting ingredients or recipes, and sharing meals with loved ones.
Why is customer service important in the food industry?
Customer service is important in the food industry because it determines the overall experience that customers have at a restaurant. Good customer service can lead to satisfied and loyal customers, while poor customer service can result in negative reviews and loss of business.
Conclusion
In conclusion, serving and enjoying are two crucial aspects of our lives that should not be mutually exclusive. By finding ways to serve others and contribute to our communities, we not only make a positive impact on society but also find fulfillment and purpose. Moreover, by taking time to enjoy life’s simple pleasures and appreciate the present moment, we cultivate a sense of gratitude and contentment. Ultimately, balancing both serving and enjoying is the key to leading a meaningful and fulfilling life.
