Wholesome Crock Pot Pea and Ham Soup: A Family Favorite
Hey there, busy parents! Are you searching for a warm, satisfying dish that will bring the family running to the dinner table? Look no further! Our Pea and Ham Soup Crock Pot recipe is here to save the day. Not only is it incredibly easy to prepare, but it’s also nutritious and guaranteed to please even the pickiest of eaters. Let’s dive into the marvelous world of slow-cooked goodness together!
Why Pea and Ham Soup in a Crock Pot?
Before we get into the nitty-gritty of crafting this delightful soup, let’s talk about why pea and ham soup is an absolute must-try in your crock pot. For starters, the crock pot is a magical kitchen gadget that allows flavors to meld over several hours, resulting in a depth you simply can’t achieve on the stove top. Combine that with the natural sweetness of peas, the savory richness of ham, and voila – you have a pot full of comfort just waiting to be served.
Nutritional Benefits of Pea and Ham Soup
Not only is this soup tasty, but it’s bursting with health benefits. Peas are loaded with fiber, protein, and vitamins A, C, and K, while the ham will provide a good punch of protein and iron. And did we mention this is a great way to sneak in veggies for the kids? Shh, we won’t tell if you won’t!
Choosing the Right Ingredients
Quality ingredients are the foundation of a fabulous soup. You’ll want to pick up a nice, meaty ham hock for this recipe – it’s the cornerstone of flavor. And for peas, we prefer the split variety for their creamy texture once cooked. Don’t forget to grab some fresh carrots, celery, and onions, too, as they form the classic “mirepoix” base that will elevate the flavor profile to new heights!
Let’s Get Cooking: Prepping Your Ingredients
Now comes the fun part – prepping your ingredients. We’re all about minimizing kitchen time and maximizing family time, so we’ve got some great tips to make this process a breeze. Dicing your veggies in advance can be a real time saver. Plus, involving the kids can be a great way to teach them about cooking and healthy eating. Just remember to supervise closely when sharp tools are involved!
The Simple Steps to Soup Success
With everything chopped and ready, it’s time to assemble your soup in the crock pot. You’ll layer in the ingredients, pour over the broth, and let the crock pot work its magic. The beauty of using a crock pot means you can set it in the morning and have a gorgeous meal ready by dinner time – all with minimal effort. It’s perfect for those hectic days full of errands, activities, and meetings!
This is just the beginning! Stay tuned as we delve deeper into the cooking process, share tips for the perfect soup consistency, and even provide ways to store and reheat your leftovers. So grab your crock pot, and let’s make a meal that will warm the heart and stomach alike – a classic pea and ham soup that’ll become a staple in your family meal rotation.
5 Things Parents Should Know Before Making Pea and Ham Soup in a Crock Pot
1. The Beauty of Bone-In Ham
When selecting your ham, consider opting for a bone-in option. The bone adds an exceptional depth of flavor to your soup and releases collagen, which not only thickens the soup naturally but also provides a rich palette of flavors that will appeal to every family member. Plus, you can keep the leftover bone to start your next batch!
2. The Great Soak Debate
While not strictly necessary due to the longer cooking times in a crock pot, soaking your split peas can help reduce cooking time and make them even more digestible. If you’re prepping the night before, give those peas a good soak overnight in water. They will plump up nicely, leading to a smoother texture in your finished soup.
3. Low and Slow is the Way to Go
To achieve the perfect melding of flavors, cooking your pea and ham soup on a low setting for a longer period is key. This allows for the gentle simmering that brings out the rich flavors without overcooking the tender peas. Plus, it means you can get on with your day, secure in the knowledge that dinner is taking care of itself.
4. Adjustments for Little Tummies
If you have younger children, consider setting aside some of the soup before adding any more robust seasonings. Pea and ham soup is naturally flavorful, but for more sensitive palates, it can be best served with minimal added spice. You can then season the remainder of the soup to taste for the adults and older kids who enjoy a little more zing!
5. Utilizing Leftovers
Pea and ham soup is perfect for batch cooking, as it freezes beautifully. Make sure to cool the soup completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. When you need a quick meal, you’ve got a homemade, nutritious option ready to go. Just thaw, reheat, and you can have a steaming bowl of soup on the table in minutes.
Preparation and Cooking Tips for Perfect Pea and Ham Soup
Now that you’re equipped with these handy parent tips, here’s how to bring it all together:
- Rinse Your Peas: Always rinse split peas under cold water before cooking to remove any dust or dirt.
- Layer Your Ingredients: Start by placing the ham, peas, and diced mirepoix veggies into the crock pot. You can layer them in any order, as they’ll all get to know each other over the many hours of cooking.
- Herbs and Spices: Don’t be afraid to throw in a bay leaf or a sprig of thyme for added dimension. You can remove these whole spices before serving.
- Enough Liquid: Make sure you have enough broth to cover the ingredients by a couple of inches, as this will ensure even cooking and prevent any burning.
- Cook on Low: Set your crock pot on low and let it do its thing for about 8 hours. If you’re short on time, you can cook it on high for 4 hours, but the texture and flavor develop best on low.
- Remove the Ham Bone: Once cooking is complete, take out the ham bone, shred any remaining meat and stir it back into the soup.
By adhering to these simple steps, you’ll serve up a wonderfully wholesome bowl of pea and ham soup that’s been cooked to perfection in your crock pot. It’s an age-old recipe with a modern-day twist, designed to give you more time with your loved ones while preparing a meal that feeds the soul as well as the body.
As peas simmer to creamy richness and ham infuses its smoky flavors into the broth, your home will be filled with an enticing aroma that heralds a hearty meal everyone will enjoy. And remember, the best part about a crock pot meal is the freedom it gives you: once your ingredients are prepped and the pot is set, you can carry on with your day, knowing that a wholesome, delicious dinner will be ready when you are.
With all these tidbits and tricks up your sleeve, you’re well on your way to becoming a pea and ham soup aficionado. Go ahead, give it a try – it’s a simple yet rewarding way to nourish your family with a homestyle classic that’s brimming with both flavor and love.
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