This slow cooker split pea soup with barley and ham is thick and hearty, bursting with homey flavor, and incredibly simple to prepare, making it a perfect addition to your comfort food repertoire.
Hearty Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup with Barley and Ham: A Winter Comfort Classic
Are you searching for a meal that offers deep, satisfying flavor with minimal effort? Look no further than this delightful Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup with Barley and Ham. This recipe transforms humble ingredients into a rich, creamy, and undeniably hearty soup that’s perfect for chasing away the winter chill. Imagine coming home to the savory aroma of a warm, wholesome meal simmering to perfection—that’s the promise of this crock pot favorite.
For many, including myself, the world of split pea soup and barley can be unfamiliar territory. Before encountering this recipe, I admit, dried split peas and hearty barley were not staples in my pantry, nor had I ever truly savored their unique qualities. The idea of venturing into a new culinary experience, especially with ingredients I hadn’t tasted before, stirred a touch of apprehension. I even had a “dinner plan B” secretly ready, just in case my culinary adventure veered off course.
Why This Soup Will Become Your New Favorite Comfort Food
My initial nervousness about this soup quickly melted away with the first spoonful. This recipe is a revelation! I’ve been completely won over by the magic of split peas and barley. The result is nothing short of incredible: a thick, robust, and immensely flavorful soup that boasts a creamy, almost stew-like consistency. Each bite is a harmonious blend of salty ham bits and the wonderful, chewy texture of barley.
The beauty of split peas, especially for those who are already aficionados, is their ability to dissolve into a silky, creamy concoction during the slow cooking process. This creates a luxurious base that expertly melds all the other components together. My initial hesitation and concerns about any potential “weirdness” were utterly unfounded. What I discovered was pure deliciousness, a testament to how well these ingredients marry when given time to simmer.
Nourishing & Delicious: A Healthy Choice for Your Table
Beyond its delightful taste, this slow cooker split pea soup is packed with nutritional benefits, making it a healthy choice for any meal. It’s chock-full of vegetables and other wholesome ingredients that contribute to a well-balanced diet. While it may not always be the most photogenic dish, its nutritional value and incredible flavor more than compensate. It’s a nourishing meal that you can feel good about serving to your family.
If you’re like I was, hesitant about trying split peas or barley, I genuinely guarantee you’ll fall in love with this recipe. It’s a fantastic solution for those dreary winter days, offering warmth and comfort in every spoonful. The combination of tender peas, substantial barley, and savory ham makes for a truly satisfying experience that combats the coldest weather with homey goodness.
Effortless Preparation: Set It and Forget It!
One of the greatest advantages of this recipe is its incredible simplicity. We’re talking about mere minutes of active preparation. You simply combine the ingredients, layer them in your slow cooker, and let the appliance do all the hard work. A few hours of gentle simmering transform simple ingredients into a deeply flavorful meal, allowing you to go about your day while dinner practically makes itself. This “set it and forget it” approach makes it an ideal weeknight meal for busy schedules.
What to Serve With This Hearty Soup
This robust split pea soup is hearty enough to be a meal on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with a few simple accompaniments to complete your dining experience. Here are some fantastic serving suggestions:
- Crusty French Bread Rolls or Fluffy Buttery Cornmeal Crescents are perfect for soaking up every last drop of the delicious broth.
- A side of fresh fruit or a light, zesty fruit salad, such as this Honey Lime Fruit Salad, offers a refreshing contrast to the richness of the soup.
- Simple sliced cheddar cheese adds an extra layer of savory flavor and satisfying texture.
- Consider a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette for a balanced meal.
- A sprinkle of fresh parsley or a dollop of sour cream on top of each serving can elevate the presentation and add an extra burst of flavor.
Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup with Barley and Ham
6 Servings
15 mins
4 hrs (on high) / 8 hrs (on low)
4 hrs 15 mins
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Ingredients
- 1 cup dry split green peas
- ½ cup medium pearl barley, not quick-cooking barley
- 2 cups chopped ham (leftover ham works wonderfully!)
- ¾ cup chopped carrots
- ¾ cup chopped yellow onion
- ¾ cup chopped celery
- 5 cups water
- 2 chicken bouillon cubes, or 2 teaspoons chicken bouillon granules (low sodium recommended)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste, especially if ham is salty)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 bay leaf
Instructions
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In a medium bowl or liquid measuring cup, combine the water, bouillon cubes (or granules), garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Whisk the mixture until the bouillon begins to dissolve. It’s perfectly fine if the cubes don’t fully dissolve at this stage; they will integrate during cooking.
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In your slow cooker (a 4-quart round slow cooker is ideal), carefully layer the ingredients in the following order: first the dry split peas, followed by the medium pearl barley, then the chopped ham, carrots, onion, and celery. Do not stir these layers. Gently pour the whisked water and spice mixture over the layered ingredients. Finally, add the bay leaf on top. It’s important not to stir the contents at this point to allow the peas and barley to cook evenly. Cover the slow cooker with its lid.
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Cook the soup on the HIGH setting for approximately four hours, or on the LOW setting for about eight hours. The cooking time is complete when the split peas have reached your desired creamy, soft texture. Once cooked, carefully remove and discard the bay leaf. Give the soup a good stir to combine all the delicious ingredients. Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary.
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Serve your hearty slow cooker split pea soup immediately while warm. Please note that this soup will thicken considerably upon cooling or after refrigeration. To thin the soup to your preferred consistency before reheating or serving leftovers, simply add a splash of water or chicken broth and stir well. Enjoy this comforting and easy-to-make meal!
Nutrition Information
Calories: 234kcal,
Carbohydrates: 38g,
Protein: 17g,
Fat: 2g,
Saturated Fat: 1g,
Cholesterol: 21mg,
Sodium: 1046mg,
Fiber: 12g,
Sugar: 6g
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Recipe Source: adapted slightly from my friend, Lesli D.
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Conclusion: Embrace the Warmth of Homemade Split Pea Soup
This Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup with Barley and Ham isn’t just a recipe; it’s an invitation to rediscover the simple joys of home cooking. Its ease of preparation, combined with its hearty, nourishing qualities, makes it an indispensable meal for colder months or any time you crave genuine comfort food. Whether you’re a long-time lover of split pea soup or a curious newcomer, this recipe promises to deliver a delightful culinary experience that will leave you feeling warm, satisfied, and eager for your next bowl. Don’t let hesitation stop you; embrace the deliciousness and let your slow cooker do the rest!