Andersen’s Split Pea Soup (Crock Pot Version) Copycat

The scent of split pea soup always takes me back to childhood road trips down the California coast. We’d always make a pit stop at a certain famous roadside restaurant, its windmills beckoning from the highway. The thick, green soup, served with crusty bread, was the ultimate comfort food, warming us from the inside out after a day spent exploring tide pools and bracing against the ocean wind. Recreating that experience at home has been a culinary quest of mine, and this crock pot version comes incredibly close to capturing that nostalgic flavor.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 6-8 hours
• Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes to 8 hours 15 minutes
• Servings: 8
• Yield: About 8 cups of soup
• Dietary Type: Vegetarian (easily made vegan)

Ingredients

• 6 cups water
• 2 cups split peas, rinsed and picked over
• 1 stalk celery, coarsely chopped
• 1 large carrot, chopped
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1/4 teaspoon thyme
• 1 dash red pepper
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste

Equipment Needed

• Crock pot (slow cooker)
• Fine sieve or immersion blender

Instructions

1. Begin by rinsing the split peas thoroughly in a colander. Pick through them to remove any debris or small stones. This step ensures a cleaner and more pleasant texture in the final soup.
2. In your crock pot, combine the 6 cups of water with the rinsed split peas.
3. Add the chopped celery, carrot, and onion to the crock pot. These vegetables will provide the aromatic base for the soup.
4. Introduce the thyme, red pepper, and bay leaf. The thyme adds a subtle earthy note, the red pepper a hint of warmth, and the bay leaf infuses a deeper, savory flavor as the soup simmers.
5. Season generously with salt and pepper. Remember that the flavors will meld and deepen during the long cooking time, so don’t be afraid to season well.
6. Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, or until the split peas and vegetables are very tender. The exact cooking time will depend on your crock pot, so check for doneness after 6 hours. The peas should be easily mashed with a fork.
7. Once the soup is cooked, you have two options for achieving a smooth, creamy texture. You can either press the soup through a fine sieve, using a ladle to push the solids through and leaving behind any skins. Alternatively, you can use an immersion blender directly in the crock pot to blend the soup until smooth. Be careful when blending hot liquids.
8. After pureeing, reheat the soup gently on the stovetop or in the microwave just to a boiling point. This ensures that the soup is thoroughly heated and the flavors are fully integrated.
9. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Enhance the flavor: For a richer, smokier flavor, consider adding bacon, ham, or ham hocks to the crock pot along with the other ingredients. Remove the ham hocks before pureeing and shred any meat to add back into the soup.
• Thicken the soup: If you prefer a thicker soup, you can add a slurry of cornstarch or flour mixed with cold water during the last hour of cooking. Alternatively, blend a portion of the soup and stir it back in to increase the thickness.
• Prevent sticking: While not typically an issue with split pea soup, you can spray the inside of your crock pot with cooking spray before adding the ingredients to help prevent any sticking.
• Make it vegan: This recipe is naturally vegetarian and easily made vegan by simply omitting any meat additions. Ensure your vegetable broth (if used) is also vegan.
• Herb Infusion: Tie the thyme and bay leaf together in cheesecloth for easier removal.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve the split pea soup hot, garnished with a swirl of cream (dairy or non-dairy), a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or chives, or a dollop of sour cream or yogurt. It pairs perfectly with crusty bread, grilled cheese sandwiches, or a side salad.

Leftover split pea soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It can also be frozen for longer storage, up to 2-3 months. To reheat, simply warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a little water or broth if necessary to thin it out. Ensure the soup is heated through before serving. Do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours.

Nutritional Information

Please note that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	178 kcal	–
Calories from Fat	5 g	3%
Total Fat	0.6 g	0%
Saturated Fat	0.1 g	0%
Cholesterol	0 mg	0%
Sodium	23.5 mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate	32.1 g	10%
Dietary Fiber	13.1 g	52%
Sugars	5.1 g	20%
Protein	12.4 g	24%

Variations & Substitutions

• Spicy Split Pea Soup: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a chopped jalapeno to the crock pot for a spicier version.
• Smoked Paprika: Incorporate smoked paprika for a smoky depth of flavor instead of or in addition to red pepper flakes.
• Different Vegetables: Experiment with adding other vegetables like potatoes, parsnips, or turnips for a heartier soup.
• Herbs: Use different herbs like marjoram or rosemary instead of thyme.
• Liquid: Substitute some of the water with vegetable broth for a more flavorful base.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use yellow split peas instead of green?
A: Yes, you can substitute yellow split peas for green split peas. The flavor will be slightly different, but the texture will be similar.

Q: Do I need to soak the split peas before cooking?
A: Soaking is not necessary for split peas as they cook relatively quickly. Rinsing them is sufficient.

Q: Can I make this soup on the stovetop?
A: Yes, you can adapt this recipe for the stovetop. Combine all ingredients in a large pot, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1-1.5 hours, or until the peas are tender.

Q: My soup is too thick. How do I thin it out?
A: Add more water or broth to thin the soup to your desired consistency.

Q: Can I add other meats besides ham?
A: Absolutely! Smoked sausage, shredded chicken, or even leftover roast beef would be delicious additions.

Final Thoughts

This crock pot version of Andersen’s Split Pea Soup is a comforting and satisfying dish that’s perfect for a chilly day. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and can be customized to your liking with different ingredients and variations. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and share your feedback. Serve it with a warm loaf of bread and enjoy the taste of homemade comfort!