English Pub Split Pea Soup

Family-favorite slow cooker recipe with rich flavor from ham and split peas. Spend 15 minutes putting it together, walk away for five hours, and enjoy homemade soup.

IngredientsClear All

• 1 meaty ham bone
• 1 1/3 cups dried green split peas, rinsed
• 2 celery ribs, chopped
• 1 large carrot, chopped
• 1 sweet onion, chopped
• 4 cups water
• 1 bottle (12 oz) light beer
• 1 tbsp prepared English mustard
• 1/2 cup 2% milk
• 1/4 cup minced fresh parsley
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp pepper
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• Additional minced fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Equipment

• 4-quart slow cooker

Instructions

1. Add to slow cooker: Place ham bone in a 4-quart slow cooker. Add split peas, celery, carrot, and onion.

2. Add liquids: Combine water, beer, and English mustard in a bowl or measuring cup. Pour over vegetables in slow cooker.

3. Cook: Cook covered on high for 5-6 hours until peas are tender.

4. Remove ham bone: Remove ham bone from slow cooker and cool slightly. Trim fat and remove meat from bone. Discard fat and bone. Cut meat into bite-sized pieces.

5. Finish soup: Return ham meat to slow cooker. Stir in milk, parsley, salt, pepper, and nutmeg.

6. Serve: Ladle into bowls and top with additional fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

Storage: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Can be frozen for up to 3 months. Soup will thicken when refrigerated - thin with additional milk or broth when reheating.

Tips:

• Use a meaty ham bone or ham hock for best flavor
• The beer adds depth of flavor - don't skip it
• English mustard is stronger than American yellow mustard - adds distinctive flavor
• Add more milk for a thinner consistency if preferred
• The nutmeg adds warmth and depth - don't omit

Slow cooker notes:

• Can also cook on low for 8-10 hours
• No need to soak the split peas - they cook perfectly in the slow cooker
• The soup will thicken as it sits - add more liquid when reheating if needed

Variations:

• Use ham steak cut into cubes if you don't have a ham bone
• Add diced potatoes for extra heartiness
• Use yellow split peas instead of green
• Add a bay leaf during cooking (remove before serving)
• Top with crispy bacon bits or croutons

Source

From Taste of Home