Slow Cooker Pea and Ham Soup Recipe

Posted on April 24, 2025

There’s nothing better than a big bowl of pea and ham soup recipe on a cold, wet day. When it’s bubbling away in the slow cooker, it smells amazing. It’s warm, filling, and feels like a big, cozy hug. I always make this soup after Christmas. Why? Because there’s usually a leftover ham bone that’s just too good to throw away. I just toss it in, add peas and veggies, and let the slow cooker do its thing. No extra pots. No fuss.

Some recipes ask you to fry things first or cut off the fat. I skip all that. Just drop in the ham hock or bone at the start. As it cooks, the flavour from the meat soaks right into the soup. Even the onion melts in, and the split peas break down to make it nice and thick and hearty.

This soup is great for picky eaters, too! My kids usually say no to veggies, but they love this. It tastes better than store-bought soup, and it’s full of hidden veggies. Each bite is packed with deep ham flavour.

The best part? You can prep it in five minutes. Toss it all in before work, and come home to a fabulous dinner. I’ve made it on the stove too, but the hands-off magic of the slow cooker makes it a clear winner. Every spoonful is pea and ham soup joy.

Table of Contents

Ingredients You’ll Need

You only need a few basic ingredients to make this soup. Most of them are simple things you already have. But each one matters, so let’s break it down.

🧾 Essential Ingredients

It’s Yellow split peas. They break down and make the soup creamyHam hock or ham bone adds a rich, smoky flavor. Carrot adds natural sweetness. Celery gives a nice base flavor. Onion melts into the soup for depth. Garlic brings in warmth and flavorChicken stock adds body and enhances taste. Bay leaves bring out more flavorDried mixed herbs add a subtle blend of seasoning.

You can also add:

Potatoes (for thickness)
Parsley or thyme (for freshness)
A dash of pepper (if you like a kick)

✅ Tips for Ingredient Prep

No chopping? Use frozen diced veg to save time.
No ham hock? Use cooked ham and add it halfway through.
Low salt stock is best – the ham is already salty.

📌 Real-World Tip:

“I use leftover ham bones from Christmas dinners. Nothing goes to waste, and the flavor is amazing.” – Lucy, UAE home cook

What Kind of Ham Works Best?

The type of ham you use can change the taste and texture of the soup. Here’s what you need to know.

🥩 Ham Types Compared

Ham TypeFlavorTextureBest ForHam hockSmoky, strongFall-apart meatDeep flavorGammon jointMilder, meatyFirmMeatier soupLeftover ham boneMixed, savoryRich brothBudget-friendlyCooked hamSoft, less saltyDices easilyQuick version

🛒 What to Look For

Bone-in hocks give the most flavor.
Smoked hocks = more depth, unsmoked = milder taste.
If using pre-cooked ham, add it near the end so it doesn’t dry out.

📌 Real Example:

“In Dubai, I found smoked ham hocks at Spinneys and used them for this. It made the house smell amazing all day.” – Sophie, UAE expat

What Are Yellow Split Peas?

Let’s talk about the peas. They’re not just filler. They’re the star of the show!

🌿 What Are They Exactly?

Split peas are dried field peas that have been split in half.
They’re yellow or green, but yellow works best here for a creamy texture.

🧠 Why Yellow Split Peas?

They break down naturally when cooked.
No need for a blender – the soup becomes thick on its own.
They take on flavor well.

📊 Nutritional Value (per 100g dry)

NutrientAmountProtein25gFiber17gIron3mgCalories340

✅ Split Peas Are:

Low fat
High protein
Great for digestion
Budget-friendly

Are Split Peas Healthy?

Yes, and here’s why. These little peas pack a big punch.

💪 Health Benefits

High in fiber – helps your gut and keeps you full.
Good source of plant protein – supports muscle and repair.
Rich in B vitamins – boosts energy.
Low on the glycemic index – steady blood sugar.

❤️ For Families:

Split peas are great for kids, too. You can hide veggies in this soup, and the texture is soft and smooth.

📌 Real Story:

“My 3-year-old wouldn’t eat lentils but loves this soup. She doesn’t even know there are peas in it!” – Amira, Sharjah

Do Split Peas Need Soaking First?

This is a big question, and the answer is simple: no, not if you use a slow cooker.

🕒 Why No Soaking?

The long cooking time softens the peas completely.
It saves time in prep.
One less step means more convenience.

🧪 Soaking vs No-Soaking Test

MethodCook TimeTextureFlavorSoaked peas6 hoursVery smoothMilderNo soaking8 hoursSmooth with textureDeeper flavor

✅ No-soak method wins for ease and taste!

Step-by-Step: How to Make It in a Slow Cooker

Let’s get cooking! This part is super easy.

🔪 Step-by-Step Instructions

Rinse the peas under cold water.
Place in the slow cooker: peas, chopped veg, garlic, bay leaves, herbs.
Add a ham hock or bone on top.
Pour in chicken stock (about 1.5 liters).
Cover and cook on:
- Low for 8-9 hours
- High for 4-5 hours
Remove the ham hock, shred the meat, and return it to the soup.
Stir and serve!

🧂 Notes:

Add salt at the end – the ham might already be salty.
If the soup is too thick, add a little water or more stock.

Texture Tips: How to Get It Thick and Creamy

Everyone wants that perfect texture – not too thin, not too mushy.

🧠 Tips for Best Texture

Cook long enough – peas must break down.
Stir halfway through if possible.
Want it smoother? Use a stick blender for a few seconds.
Add potatoes if you want more thickness.

🧪 Real Comparison Table

MethodResultNo blendRustic, hearty textureLight blendCreamy, with chunksFull blendSmooth and silky

What to Serve With Pea and Ham Soup

You don’t need much – this soup is a full meal. But a few extras help round it out.

🍞 Great Pairings

Crusty bread
Garlic toast
Cheddar scones
Simple green salad
Grilled cheese sandwich

🧂 Quick Toppings

Chopped parsley
A swirl of cream
Croutons
Grated cheese

Storage Tips: How Long Does It Last

This soup stores well. It tastes better the next day.

🧊 Fridge Storage

Cool soup fully before storing.
Keep in an airtight container.
Lasts 4-5 days.

❄️ Freezer Tips

Let it cool completely.
Freeze in portions.
Use within 3 months.

📝 To reheat: thaw overnight and warm on the stove or microwave. Stir often.

Troubleshooting: Common Questions

😕 Too Thick?

Add more hot water or stock and stir well.

😬 Too Salty?

Add a raw, peeled potato while cooking. Remove before serving.

❌ No Ham Hock?

Use diced ham, gammon, or smoked turkey as backup.

😋 No Slow Cooker?

Use a large pot on the stove.
Simmer for 2-3 hours, stirring often.

Final Thoughts

Slow cooker pea and ham soup is more than just a cozy meal- it’s a family favorite that brings warmth, comfort, and nutrition to the table. Whether you’re using up a leftover ham bone after a holiday or starting fresh with a smoked ham hock, the result is always a rich, hearty soup packed with flavor.

FAQs

Can I use green split peas instead of yellow?

Yes, you can! Green split peas have a slightly earthier taste and take a bit longer to cook. The texture and thickness will be similar, so it’s a good substitute if you can’t find yellow split peas.

Do I need to blend the soup at the end?

Not at all. The split peas naturally break down during cooking, making the soup thick and smooth. But if you prefer a silky texture, you can blend part or all of it using a stick blender.

Can I cook this soup on the stove instead of a slow cooker?

Yes! Just simmer everything in a large pot over low heat for 2-3 hours. Stir occasionally, and check that the peas are soft and the meat is falling off the bone. It’s just as tasty, though not as hands-free.

Is this soup good for weight loss or diets?

Absolutely. It’s high in fiber, full of protein, and very filling. Since it uses lean ham and low-fat ingredients, it fits well into most balanced diets. Just watch the salt content if you’re on a low-sodium plan.

How do I know when the soup is done?

The soup is ready when the split peas are soft and mostly broken down, and the ham is tender and shreds easily. The broth will look thicker and the flavors well blended. You can’t overcook it in a slow cooker!