Crockpot Split Pea Soup Recipe
Do you have a ham hock hanging out in your freezer?
Put it to good work.
If you don't, that's okay -- you can omit the meat all-together (the broth and salt provides enough flavor) or you can use turkey or pork bacon.
[originally posted in 2008 during my Year of Slow Cooking]
We recently went on a roadtrip south and stopped in Buellton, California at the HOME OF PEA SOUP.
At least that is what the billboard said.
Anderson's Soup is a roadside attraction and tourist stop along the highway. The interior hasn't changed in about a hundred million (50) years.
I talked the kids into eating a bite each, which I'm pretty sure was only because they sell fudge in the lobby.
On a side note: we were happy to discover that the soup at Anderson's was not only completely gluten free, it was vegan, too!
This soup can be made vegan simply by omitting the meat. The broth is vegetable broth and the original recipe from Anderson's Split Pea soup restaurant is made vegan; they just add ham to the bowl.
The Ingredients.
serves 6 to 8
Put it to good work.
If you don't, that's okay -- you can omit the meat all-together (the broth and salt provides enough flavor) or you can use turkey or pork bacon.
[originally posted in 2008 during my Year of Slow Cooking]
At least that is what the billboard said.
Anderson's Soup is a roadside attraction and tourist stop along the highway. The interior hasn't changed in about a hundred million (50) years.
On a side note: we were happy to discover that the soup at Anderson's was not only completely gluten free, it was vegan, too!
This soup can be made vegan simply by omitting the meat. The broth is vegetable broth and the original recipe from Anderson's Split Pea soup restaurant is made vegan; they just add ham to the bowl.
The Ingredients.
serves 6 to 8
1 leftover ham hock, with a bit of ham attached
OR 8 ounces turkey bacon, divided (see note below about using pork bacon)
OR 8 ounces turkey bacon, divided (see note below about using pork bacon)
1 (16-ounce) package of dried split peas
1 cup diced yellow onion
1 potato, peeled and diced
1 cup diced carrot
4 cups vegetable broth
1 cup water
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
The Directions.
--dump the peas, diced vegetables, broth, and water into the crockpot
--add the salt and pepper
--if you are using a ham hock, add that now.
If using bacon, add it (diced, raw --- ) ---> saving 4-6 pieces for later use
If using bacon, add it (diced, raw --- ) ---> saving 4-6 pieces for later use
cover and cook on low 8-10 hours or high for 4-6. I cooked ours for 6 hours on high.
if you went with the ham hock, scrape off any remaining meat and discard the bone.
if you went with the turkey bacon, carefully remove the strips and you can either pan fry them to crisp them up with the saved bacon and crumble on top, or simply discard.
I, personally, discard them but the internet thinks this is SCANDALOUS -- that is your call.
HEY STEPH: I want to use PORK bacon, not turkey bacon : you can, but your soup will be greasier. If you are going for an "Anderson's Split Pea" experience my advice is to use the ham hock with already-cooked ham stuck to it or turkey bacon because of this grease..
I, personally, discard them but the internet thinks this is SCANDALOUS -- that is your call.
HEY STEPH: I want to use PORK bacon, not turkey bacon : you can, but your soup will be greasier. If you are going for an "Anderson's Split Pea" experience my advice is to use the ham hock with already-cooked ham stuck to it or turkey bacon because of this grease..
Use an immersible hand blender to make your soup a bit more creamy and to have an even consistency.
Pea soup is rather thick -- it's kind of porridge-like, and if it sits out it will get a tiny bit of "skin" on it.
This is normal.
Pea soup is rather thick -- it's kind of porridge-like, and if it sits out it will get a tiny bit of "skin" on it.
This is normal.
Cook remaining pieces of turkey bacon on the stove and crumble over the top, or add any additional ham you still have in your fridge.
The Verdict.
I was really pleased with the way this turned out!
Way better than the canned stuff.
Happy Slow Cooking!! Have a wonderful day!!
Way better than the canned stuff.
Happy Slow Cooking!! Have a wonderful day!!
