Slow Cooker Split Pea and Bacon Soup is everything you expect from this classic dish made simply in advance.
We all know what we should be eating: whole grains, lean proteins, leafy greens, so on and so forth. So what’s stopping us? Whether it’s time that gets in the way or lack of ideas, here’s a new easy and quick soup to try! Slow Cooker Split Pea and Bacon Soup comes together in a matter of minutes, letting you walk away to get other work done and let it cook itself! Want to save even more time? Make a double batch and save for busy weekday lunches or pop in the freezer for another day.
Ingredients
- Bacon: Use turkey bacon if you want to cut down on sodium and fat, but either way bacon adds a delicious and salty protein to the soup.
- Onions: Using a yellow or white onion adds mild flavor to the soup as well as vitamin C.
- Celery: While it doesn’t add much in flavor, celery maintains a level of crunch in the soup and is chalk full of vitamins and nutrition.
- Carrots: Somewhat sweet in flavor, carrots are especially high in vitamins A and K.
- Split green peas: These dried and hulled peas cook easily and are full of antioxidants, vitamins, and zinc.
- Thyme: Adds an earthy, lemony taste to the soup.
- Bay leaves: While you don’t want to eat them, when soaked in a soup they add a mild, almost minty aroma and flavor.
- Chicken stock: Adds flavor to the broth of the soup.
How to Make Slow Cooker Split Pea and Bacon Soup
I always start my meals by prepping all my ingredients at once, so wash your produce, and peel and dice away.
Then in a pan, cook your bacon that has been cut into thin slices and pieces.
Then in the bowl of a slow cooker, add your diced onion and the cooked bacon.
Next, add the split peas, carrot, and celery to the bowl.
Then toss in the bay leaf and thyme.
After that you’ll for in the chicken broth.
Followed by the water.
Finish with a sprinkle of salt and pepper, stir it all together, and put the lid on. Set the slow cooker to low for 8 hours or high for 4, and walk away!
When finished, remove the bay leaf and serve garnished with fresh parsley. Then enjoy your Slow Cooker Split Pea and Bacon Soup!
Frequently Asked Questions:
Do split peas need to be soaked before cooking?
Soaking split peas shortens their cooking time, but it’s not necessary. Especially when using a slow cooker.
Why rinse split peas before cooking?
While they don’t need to be soaked, depending on your split peas, you may consider rinsing them to get rid of any remaining dirt.
Can you freeze split pea soup?
Yes! It’s a great freezer friendly soup for meal prepping. Put it in a freezer safe resealable bag and keep for up to 3 months.
More Soups
Did you try this recipe and like it? The next time you make it, snap a picture and share it to your socials! Tag @thelemonbowl and #thelemonbowl so we can admire and share your soup.
By taking a few minutes at the beginning of your day to throw this soup in the slow cooker, you will be rewarded with a hearty, satisfying soup packed with the protein, fiber, and nutrients your body craves.
Your spoon is waiting.
Slow Cooker Split Pea and Bacon Soup
Slow Cooker Split Pea with Bacon Soup is everything you expect from this classic dish made easy with the help of the crockpot.
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Cook the bacon strips in a medium pan over medium-high heat until crispy and browned; set aside on a paper towel lined plate.
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In a slow cooker, add all remaining ingredients including the cooked bacon.
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Heat on Low for 8 hours or High for 4 hours. Season with salt and pepper to taste and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Since different brands of chicken broth and bacon have varying amounts of sodium, season this soup with additional salt and pepper according to personal preference.
calories: 157caloriesCarbohydrates: 22.5gprotein: 11.1gFat: 2gSaturated Fat: 0.3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1.7gCholesterol: 3mgSodium: 149mgfiber: 4.1gSugar: 3.3g