Like many who grew up in the Midwest, I love soup in the winter. I also love the convenience of simmering food in a slow cooker while I’m at work. This slow cooker pea soup recipe makes an easy, hearty meal with minimal effort. It is also good for using up your store of cool-weather veggies as you await spring.
One great thing about soup is its versatility. The below recipe is my “base,” and I will often experiment with adding other spices. Some of my favorites include curry powder, oregano, dill, or mint. The herbs can be used dried or fresh; I often will add a fresh herbal garnish on top when my garden permits.
Recipe: Slow Cooker Pea Soup
Prep time: 5 min Cook time: 4-5 hours
Makes 6 Servings
Ingredients
- 2 tsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb green split peas
- 2 large carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 cups cabbage, chopped
- 1 tsp ground thyme
- 2 bay leaves
- 5 cups vegetable broth
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish, optional
- For additional flavor, add 1 tsp of any of the following: curry powder, chili powder, fresh or dried mint, fresh or dried oregano). Note: I recommend trying these one at a time rather than all at once.
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a small saucepan on medium heat. Add onion and garlic and cook until aromatic, approximately 5 minutes. Set aside.
- Rince split peas and remove any odd-looking pieces. Place in the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Add chopped veggies (carrots, celery, cabbage), cooked veggies (onion, garlic), spices (thyme, bay, salt/pepper, and any extras you have chosen), and vegetable broth.
- Cook in slow cooker for 4-5 hours on high or 7-8 hours on low.
- Garnish with fresh herbs, if desired, immediately prior to enjoying.
Looking for a great warm dessert to accompany your soup? Try this recipe for plum cobbler!
If you’d like to purchase any of our fresh produce, you can find us at the Orange City, IA farmer’s market this summer (2023). We plan to have fresh vegetables, fruits, mushrooms, and herbs available this season. We’ll also be selling extra produce at our road market stand in Alton. Feel free to reach out if you’re looking for anything in particular! We can be reached at [email protected].
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