This slow cooker split pea soup with barley and ham is thick, hearty, and bursting with comforting, homey flavors. It’s incredibly simple to prepare, making it a perfect meal for chilly evenings or busy weekdays.
For many, split pea soup is a classic, nostalgic dish, a staple of comfort food. However, I must confess that before embarking on this culinary adventure, I had never made (or even tasted!) split pea soup. The idea of dried split peas, despite their charming appearance in the supermarket aisle, remained a mystery. Similarly, barley was an unexplored ingredient in my kitchen, a hearty grain I had yet to discover.
The Unexpected Culinary Revelation: Falling in Love with Split Pea Soup
Venturing into unfamiliar culinary territory often comes with a degree of apprehension. I was genuinely nervous about this soup, so much so that I had a “dinner plan B” prepared and ready to go, just in case my first attempt at split pea soup was a complete disaster. Little did I know, my worries were entirely unfounded.
The transformation was nothing short of incredible. I have been enthusiastically converted to the delights of split peas and barley! This soup isn’t just good; it’s absolutely exceptional. Its consistency is thick and wonderfully hearty, almost stew-like, and each spoonful is a testament to its rich, comforting flavor. The salty bits of ham add a savory depth, perfectly complemented by the wonderful, chewy texture of the barley. For those who are already aficionados of split pea soup, you’ll know that the peas themselves gracefully dissolve during the slow cooking process, creating a creamy, silky concoction that beautifully melds all the components together. My initial hesitation over potential “weirdness” was completely erased; there was no weirdness, only pure, unadulterated deliciousness.
More Than Just Delicious: A Healthy and Wholesome Meal
Beyond its incredible taste and satisfying texture, this soup boasts an impressive nutritional profile. It’s truly healthy, packed with wholesome ingredients that will leave you feeling nourished and content. While it may not always win awards for its photogenic qualities – let’s be honest, some comfort foods are more about taste than appearance – its health benefits are undeniable. This is a meal that not only tastes amazing but also contributes positively to your well-being. It’s chock-full of nutritious vegetables and other delightful goodness, making it an ideal choice to combat the chill of winter weather (the kind of winter weather that clearly didn’t get my memo to disappear promptly!).
Effortless Preparation for Maximum Flavor: The Slow Cooker Advantage
One of the most appealing aspects of this recipe is its astonishing simplicity. We are talking mere minutes of active preparation time. Once your ingredients are prepped and combined, the slow cooker takes over, allowing the flavors to meld and deepen over several hours. This hands-off approach makes it a dream for busy individuals or anyone looking for a comforting meal without the fuss. Imagine returning home to the inviting aroma of a hearty, homemade soup, ready to be devoured with minimal effort. It’s truly a cinch to prepare, offering maximum flavor with minimal stress.
The Star Ingredients: Split Peas and Barley
Embracing Split Peas
Split peas, a member of the legume family, are dried, peeled, and split seeds of the pea. They are known for their ability to break down and create a wonderfully creamy texture when cooked, making them perfect for soups and purées. Beyond their texture, split peas are a nutritional powerhouse. They are an excellent source of dietary fiber, which aids digestion and promotes a feeling of fullness, making this soup incredibly satisfying. They also provide a good amount of plant-based protein, essential vitamins, and minerals, contributing to overall health. Their earthy flavor pairs beautifully with smoky ham, creating a classic and comforting combination.
Discovering Barley’s Hearty Charm
Barley, a versatile whole grain, adds a unique depth and a delightful chewiness to this soup. Often overlooked, barley is a fantastic addition to stews and soups due to its robust texture that holds up well during long cooking times. For this recipe, we recommend using medium pearl barley, which has had its outer husk removed but retains much of its beneficial fiber and nutrients. Avoid quick-cooking barley, as it will break down too quickly and won’t provide the desired texture. Barley is rich in soluble fiber, which can help lower cholesterol, and it provides sustained energy, making this soup an even more fulfilling meal.
What to Serve With This Comforting Soup
This hearty split pea and barley soup with ham is a meal in itself, but a few simple accompaniments can elevate the dining experience. Here are some perfect pairings:
- Crusty Bread: A warm slice of French Bread Rolls or soft Buttery Cornmeal Crescents is ideal for soaking up every last drop of the rich, thick broth. The textural contrast of crispy bread with creamy soup is simply irresistible.
- Fresh Fruit or Light Salad: To balance the richness of the soup, serve a crisp and refreshing side. A simple bowl of fresh fruit or a light fruit salad, such as this vibrant Honey Lime Fruit Salad, provides a refreshing counterpoint.
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Sliced cheddar cheese offers a delightful tang and extra savoriness that complements the smoky ham beautifully. Enjoy it on the side or even grated over the top of your soup just before serving.
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Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup with Barley and Ham
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Ingredients
- 1 cup dry split green peas, rinsed
- ½ cup medium pearl barley (not quick-cooking barley)
- 2 cups chopped ham
- 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)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 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 these ingredients together until well combined. It’s perfectly fine if the bouillon cubes don’t completely dissolve at this stage.
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In a medium round slow cooker (approximately 4-quart capacity), begin to layer your ingredients. Start with the rinsed split peas at the bottom, followed by the barley, then the chopped ham, carrots, onion, and celery. It’s important not to mix the layers at this point. Carefully pour the whisked water and spice mixture over the layered ingredients. Finally, add the bay leaf on top. Do not stir the contents of the slow cooker after adding the liquid and bay leaf. Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on the HIGH setting for four hours, or on the LOW setting for eight hours. Cook until the split peas achieve a creamy, soft, and desired texture.
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Once the cooking time is complete, carefully remove and discard the bay leaf. Stir the soup thoroughly to combine all the delicious ingredients and textures. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, adding more salt and pepper to your preference. Serve the soup immediately while hot.
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This soup will thicken considerably upon sitting, especially after being refrigerated. If you find it too thick when reheating or after storing, simply add a splash of water or chicken broth to thin the soup to your desired consistency before serving. This flexibility makes it excellent for meal prep and leftovers.
Nutrition Information
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Recipe Source: adapted slightly from my friend, Lesli D.
Variations and Customizations for Your Soup
While this recipe is perfect as is, it’s also incredibly versatile and can be adapted to suit your preferences or what you have on hand:
- Smoky Flavor Boost: For an even deeper smoky flavor, consider adding a ham hock or a smoked turkey leg to the slow cooker along with the other ingredients. Remove it before serving, shred any meat, and stir it back into the soup.
- Vegetarian Option: To make this soup vegetarian, simply omit the ham and use vegetable broth instead of water and chicken bouillon. You can add smoked paprika or a dash of liquid smoke for a hint of savory depth, or increase the amount of vegetables for a heartier texture.
- Additional Vegetables: Feel free to toss in other root vegetables like parsnips or turnips, or leafy greens such as spinach or kale towards the end of the cooking process for added nutrients and color.
- Herb Enhancements: Fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley can elevate the flavor profile. Add a sprig of fresh thyme or rosemary with the bay leaf, or stir in chopped fresh parsley just before serving.
- Spicier Kick: If you enjoy a bit of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes added with the other spices can provide a subtle kick.
Why the Slow Cooker is Your Best Friend for This Soup
The slow cooker truly shines with this split pea and barley soup. Its gentle, consistent heat allows the split peas to slowly break down into that luscious, creamy texture without constant stirring or monitoring. The barley gradually softens, absorbing the rich flavors of the ham and vegetables, while retaining its pleasant chewiness. This hands-off method means you can simply set it and forget it, going about your day while your kitchen fills with the comforting aroma of a delicious meal in progress. It’s the ultimate tool for achieving deep, complex flavors with minimal effort, making hearty, wholesome meals accessible even on your busiest days.
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Final Thoughts: Your Next Favorite Slow Cooker Meal Awaits
If you’ve ever been hesitant about trying split pea soup or incorporating barley into your cooking, I urge you to give this slow cooker recipe a chance. It’s a game-changer, turning simple ingredients into a deeply satisfying and surprisingly elegant meal. The ease of preparation, combined with the rich, comforting flavors and significant nutritional benefits, makes it a perfect addition to any home cook’s repertoire. Whether you’re battling a winter chill or simply craving a wholesome, easy-to-make dinner, this Split Pea Soup with Barley and Ham is guaranteed to become a new family favorite. Enjoy the warmth, the flavors, and the sheer simplicity of this incredible slow cooker dish!