Hearty Ham and Pea Soup Slow Cooker Recipe for Busy Parents
Hello, wonderful parents! Are you in search of a heartwarming meal that can satisfy your family without demanding much of your precious time? Look no further, because I’ve got a slow cooker sensation that’s just as cozy as a hug from a loved one. We’re talking about a classic ham and pea soup, perfect for those chilly evenings or when you just need a little comfort food in your life!
Why a Slow Cooker Soup is a Must for Busy Families
Before we dive into the savory details, let’s appreciate the magic of the slow cooker. Often a parent’s best friend, this handy kitchen gadget offers set-it-and-forget-it convenience, which means you can prepare your ingredients, pop them in, set the timer, and voila! Hours later, you are greeted by the aroma of a delicious homemade meal that’s ready to serve, with minimal effort on your part. Plus, it’s an excellent way to infuse flavors deeply and tenderize meats like the ham in our upcoming recipe.
Benefits of Ham and Pea Soup
Not only is this soup incredibly easy to make, but it’s also nutrition-packed. Peas are a great source of plant-based protein, vitamins, and fiber, while ham adds a wonderful smokiness and richness to your soup. And let’s not forget, utilizing your slow cooker for meals like this can also help reduce energy consumption compared to oven-cooked meals. That’s a win for the planet and your wallet!
Gathering Your Ingredients
Ready to start? Here’s what you’ll need:
- A package of dried split peas – they’re the backbone of the soup.
- Diced cooked ham – perfect for using up leftovers from a holiday meal or a pre-cooked ham from the store.
- Carrots, celery, and onions – the holy trinity of flavor for soups.
- Garlic – for that essential zing.
- Chicken or vegetable stock – the liquid base that brings it all together.
- Herbs and spices – think bay leaves, thyme, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
Don’t worry; you’ll get the full detailed list and measurements in the recipe below.
Prepping Your Ingredients
A little prep goes a long way! Roughly chop your veggies, mince the garlic, and make sure your ham is bite-sized. If you’re using a ham bone, even better! It will impart a lovely depth of flavor to the broth as it slow cooks.
Let’s Get Slow Cooking!
It’s time to layer your ingredients into the slow cooker. Start with the peas, then toss in the carrots, celery, and onions, sprinkle in the garlic, and add the diced ham. Finally, pour over the stock, ensuring all the ingredients are covered, and add your herbs and spices.
Next, just set the slow cooker to low for about 7-8 hours or on high for about 4-5 hours. This gentle cooking process helps the peas to soften and break down, thickening the soup naturally, while the ham and vegetables meld together in a dance of flavors.
Once cooked, remove any ham bones (if you used them) and bay leaves. For a smooth texture, you can use an immersion blender to puree part of the soup, or just leave it as is for a heartier feel. Taste and adjust the seasonings to your liking.
Serving Suggestions
This ham and pea soup is practically a full meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, a sprinkle of cheese, or a fresh side salad. You can even top with fresh parsley or croutons for an added bit of crunch and color.
Remember, the beauty of this meal is in its simplicity and the fact that it provides nourishment and smiles with minimum fuss. You’ll have a bowl full of love that you put together in the morning, ready to warm your family’s hearts and bellies by dinner time. What’s not to love about coming home to a dinner that’s ready to enjoy?
In this busy world, finding those moments where we can pull back and enjoy time with our loved ones is priceless, and this ham and pea soup slow cooker recipe can give you just that – more time for the things that matter most.
Stay tuned for our detailed recipe to follow, ensuring you can recreate this homely classic with confidence. You’ll soon discover why this is a meal that gets everyone rushing to the dinner table!
5 Things Parents Should Know When Preparing Ham and Pea Soup in a Slow Cooker
1. Pre-Soup Preparation Tips
Maximize the flavor of your soup by doing a bit of up-front preparation. Start by sautéing the onions, celery, and carrots until they’re just softened. This extra step deepens the flavors that will carry through as the soup cooks. And don’t shy away from adding a smoked ham hock along with your diced ham—this will infuse the broth with a lovely smokiness and richness that is hard to beat. Just be sure to remove it before serving!
2. Pea Selection and Prepping
Choosing the right type of peas is crucial. Dried split peas are traditional and don’t require pre-soaking, making them an ideal choice for slow cooker recipes. Before you add them in, make sure to rinse them thoroughly and check for any small stones or debris that may have been missed during packaging.
3. Seasoning It Right
Seasoning is key in creating a mouth-watering soup. Don’t be afraid of spices, and remember that the slow cooking process tends to mellow flavors, so you can be a bit more generous with herbs like thyme. However, be moderate with salt, especially if your ham is already salty. You can always adjust the seasoning after the soup has cooked.
4. Water Content and Cooking Times
The amount of liquid you add at the beginning is important; it can mean the difference between a soup and a stew. If you’re aiming for a thinner soup, be sure to add enough stock to cover all the ingredients by a couple of inches, but not too much that it becomes watery. As for timing, a longer cook on low heat yields the best results, giving all the elements time to break down and mingle, but a higher heat setting can be a savior when you’re short on time.
5. Make It Ahead and Storage
This ham and pea soup is even tastier the next day after the flavors have had more time to meld together. It’s a fantastic make-ahead meal. Plus, it freezes beautifully, so go ahead and make a large batch, then portion it into freezer bags or containers for no-fuss future dinners. Just remember to leave a little space in the containers for expansion when it freezes.
The delight of seeing your family gather around a nourishing, homemade meal is one of the greatest joys. And with this slow cooker ham and pea soup, it is a joy that requires very little effort but delivers a rich and love-filled reward. Dive into the goodness of a well-prepared, simmering pot that awaits your return at the end of a long day, offering a warm welcome and a reminder of the simple, yet profound pleasures of family dining. Enjoy, dear parents, for this bowl of comfort speaks the universal language of home-cooked happiness.
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