Print

Hearty Crockpot Split Pea Soup Recipe Using Leftover Ham Bone Easy and Perfect

hearty crockpot split pea soup - featured image

A comforting and nourishing split pea soup made with a leftover ham bone, slow-cooked in a crockpot for rich smoky flavor and velvety texture. Perfect for cozy dinners and easy meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale
  • Leftover ham bone with some meat attached
  • 1 1/2 cups (300g) green split peas
  • 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 1 large yellow onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme or a few sprigs fresh thyme
  • 6 cups (1.4 liters) low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth
  • 2 cups (475 ml) water
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for sautéing veggies)

Instructions

  1. Rinse the split peas under cold water until the water runs clear to remove dust and prevent foam during cooking. (5 minutes)
  2. Peel and dice the carrots and celery, chop the onion, and mince the garlic. (10 minutes)
  3. Optional: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté onions, carrots, and celery until onions are translucent and veggies slightly softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. (10 minutes)
  4. Transfer sautéed vegetables to the crockpot. Add rinsed split peas, bay leaves, thyme, and leftover ham bone. Pour in broth and water. (5 minutes)
  5. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours. Stir gently around hour 6 on low or hour 3 on high to prevent peas from sticking. (Hands-off time)
  6. Remove the ham bone carefully with tongs. Pull off any remaining meat, chop finely, and stir back into the soup. Discard the bone and bay leaves. (5 minutes)
  7. Season soup gradually with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, considering the saltiness from the ham bone. (2 minutes)
  8. Optional: Use an immersion blender to puree part or all of the soup for a smoother texture, leaving some chunks if desired. (3-5 minutes)
  9. Serve warm, ideally with crusty bread or a simple salad.

Notes

Rinse split peas well to prevent foam. Sautéing veggies before slow cooking adds depth of flavor but is optional. Add salt gradually after removing the ham bone to avoid oversalting. Stir occasionally near the end to prevent peas from sticking. Adjust soup thickness with broth or water as needed. For vegetarian version, omit ham bone and use smoked paprika or liquid smoke with vegetable broth.

Nutrition

Keywords: split pea soup, crockpot soup, leftover ham bone, slow cooker, comfort food, easy soup recipe, hearty soup, gluten-free soup