Hello, dear hearts! Step right in and make yourself comfortable at my kitchen table. On this chilly day, what better way to warm your soul than with a steaming bowl of Split Pea Soup, lovingly simmered in the cozy cocoon of a slow cooker. Allow me to share a bit about this time-honored dish, rich in both tradition and flavor.
Split Pea Soup is a nourishing staple, a testament to the resilience and simplicity of generations past. From old-world kitchens to our Midwestern homes, this soup has captured hearts with its uncomplicated yet nutritious nature. It’s the epitome of home cooking, offering solace during those long, winter days when the world outside seems to pause.
Wondering what to pair with this comforting soup? A slice of homemade crusty bread, fresh from the oven, is perfect for soaking up every delicious drop. Or, for a sweet contrast, a golden cornbread muffin complements the savory depth of the soup beautifully.
Recipe: Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup
Servings: About 8 generous portions, sure to satisfy even the hungriest souls.
Ingredients:
1 pound dried split peas, lovingly rinsed and sorted
8 cups chicken or vegetable broth, forming a nourishing foundation
2 medium carrots, diced into small, hopeful cubes
2 ribs of celery, diced with tender care
1 medium onion, finely chopped like delicate quilt squares
2 garlic cloves, minced, as fragrant as a May lilac breeze
1 ham hock, for a smoky hint of the past (optional)
1 bay leaf, as special as a heartfelt promise
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
A pinch of dried thyme, echoing our fertile soils
Directions:
Place the split peas in the slow cooker, like sowing seeds in a garden.
Add the broth, carrots, celery, onion, and garlic, creating a melody of flavors.
If using, place the ham hock on top as a crowning ingredient. Add the bay leaf and thyme, seasoning with salt and pepper, like a gentle spring rain.
Cover and cook on low for about 8 hours, until the peas are tender and the soup is rich with flavor.
Remove the ham hock, shred the meat, and stir it back into the soup. Discard the bay leaf.
Taste and adjust seasonings, then serve in bowls that comfort both hands and heart.
Variations & Tips:
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