Slow Cooker Split Pea and Sausage Soup: A Warm and Hearty Delight

Are you craving a comforting, flavorful, and satisfying meal that practically cooks itself? Look no further than this slow cooker split pea and sausage soup recipe! This hearty soup is perfect for a chilly day, a busy weeknight, or anytime you want a delicious and fuss-free dinner. The combination of earthy split peas, savory sausage, and flavorful vegetables creates a symphony of tastes that will warm you from the inside out.

This recipe is incredibly easy to prepare. Simply toss all the ingredients into your slow cooker, set it, and forget it! In just a few hours, you’ll be rewarded with a rich and flavorful soup that’s packed with nutrients and protein. Plus, the slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, resulting in a depth of taste that’s simply irresistible.

## Why You’ll Love This Recipe

* **Effortless Cooking:** The slow cooker does all the work! Just dump in the ingredients and let it simmer.
* **Hearty and Filling:** Packed with protein and fiber, this soup will keep you satisfied for hours.
* **Delicious Flavor:** The combination of split peas, sausage, and vegetables creates a rich and complex flavor profile.
* **Great for Meal Prep:** This soup is perfect for meal prepping and can be easily stored in the fridge or freezer.
* **Customizable:** Easily adapt the recipe to your liking by adding different vegetables, spices, or meats.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

* **1 pound dried split peas:** Green or yellow split peas work equally well.
* **1 pound smoked sausage:** Kielbasa, andouille, or your favorite smoked sausage, sliced.
* **1 large onion:** Diced, adds a savory base flavor.
* **2 carrots:** Diced, adds sweetness and texture.
* **2 celery stalks:** Diced, contributes to the aromatic flavor base.
* **4 cloves garlic:** Minced, adds a pungent and savory note.
* **8 cups chicken broth:** Provides the liquid base for the soup. Vegetable broth can be substituted for a vegetarian option.
* **1 teaspoon dried thyme:** Adds an earthy and herbaceous flavor.
* **1/2 teaspoon dried marjoram:** Enhances the savory notes of the soup.
* **1 bay leaf:** Infuses the soup with a subtle aroma.
* **Salt and pepper:** To taste, season generously to bring out the flavors.
* **Optional toppings:** Croutons, sour cream, shredded cheese, fresh parsley.

## Equipment You’ll Need

* **Slow cooker (6-quart or larger):** The star of the show!
* **Cutting board:** For chopping vegetables and sausage.
* **Knife:** For prepping ingredients.
* **Measuring cups and spoons:** For accurate ingredient measurements.
* **Ladle:** For serving the soup.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create a delicious and satisfying slow cooker split pea and sausage soup:

**Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients**

* Rinse the split peas thoroughly under cold water. This helps remove any debris and ensures they cook evenly.
* Dice the onion, carrots, and celery into small, uniform pieces. This will help them cook evenly in the slow cooker.
* Mince the garlic. You can use a garlic press or finely chop it with a knife.
* Slice the smoked sausage into bite-sized pieces. The thickness of the slices is up to your preference.

**Step 2: Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker**

* Add the rinsed split peas, diced onion, carrots, and celery, minced garlic, and sliced sausage to the slow cooker.
* Pour in the chicken broth. Make sure the broth covers all the ingredients. If necessary, add a little more broth to ensure everything is submerged.
* Sprinkle in the dried thyme and marjoram. These herbs add a wonderful depth of flavor to the soup.
* Add the bay leaf. This will infuse the soup with a subtle aroma. Remember to remove it before serving.
* Season generously with salt and pepper. Taste the soup after cooking and adjust the seasoning as needed.

**Step 3: Cook the Soup**

* Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The cooking time may vary depending on your slow cooker, so check the soup periodically to ensure the split peas are tender.
* The soup is ready when the split peas are soft and have broken down, creating a thick and creamy consistency.

**Step 4: Adjust and Serve**

* Once the soup is cooked, remove the bay leaf.
* Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more salt and pepper, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
* If you prefer a smoother soup, you can use an immersion blender to partially or fully blend the soup. Be careful when blending hot liquids.
* Serve hot, garnished with your favorite toppings, such as croutons, sour cream, shredded cheese, or fresh parsley.

## Tips and Variations

* **Add more vegetables:** Feel free to add other vegetables to the soup, such as potatoes, leeks, or spinach. Add potatoes at the beginning of the cooking process with the other root vegetables. Stir in spinach during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
* **Use different meats:** You can substitute the smoked sausage with other meats, such as ham, bacon, or turkey sausage. If using bacon, cook it until crispy before adding it to the slow cooker.
* **Make it vegetarian:** Omit the sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian version. You can also add smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.
* **Spice it up:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a little heat.
* **Add a touch of acidity:** A squeeze of lemon juice or a splash of apple cider vinegar can brighten the flavors of the soup.
* **Thicken the soup:** If the soup is too thin, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water and stir it into the soup during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
* **Use a ham hock:** For a richer, smokier flavor, add a ham hock to the slow cooker along with the other ingredients. Remove the ham hock before serving and shred the meat, then return it to the soup.

## Serving Suggestions

This slow cooker split pea and sausage soup is delicious on its own, but it’s also great served with:

* **Crusty bread:** Perfect for dipping into the soup.
* **Grilled cheese sandwich:** A classic pairing.
* **Side salad:** Adds a refreshing contrast to the hearty soup.

## Storage Instructions

* **Refrigerating:** Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Freezing:** Transfer the cooled soup to freezer-safe containers or bags. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

## Reheating Instructions

* **Stovetop:** Reheat the soup in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
* **Microwave:** Reheat the soup in a microwave-safe bowl, covered, for 2-3 minutes, or until heated through. Stir occasionally.
* **Slow Cooker:** Reheat on low for 1-2 hours.

## Nutritional Information (approximate per serving)

(Note: Nutritional information can vary based on specific ingredients used.)

* Calories: 350-450
* Protein: 25-35g
* Fat: 15-25g
* Carbohydrates: 30-40g
* Fiber: 10-15g

## Conclusion

This slow cooker split pea and sausage soup is a winner! It’s easy to make, incredibly flavorful, and perfect for a cozy night in. The slow cooker does all the work, allowing you to enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal with minimal effort. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your household. So, gather your ingredients, toss them in the slow cooker, and get ready to enjoy a bowl of warm and hearty goodness!

## Recipe Card

**Slow Cooker Split Pea and Sausage Soup**

A hearty and flavorful soup that’s perfect for a chilly day. The slow cooker does all the work!

**Prep Time:** 15 minutes
**Cook Time:** 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
**Servings:** 6-8

**Ingredients:**

* 1 pound dried split peas
* 1 pound smoked sausage, sliced
* 1 large onion, diced
* 2 carrots, diced
* 2 celery stalks, diced
* 4 cloves garlic, minced
* 8 cups chicken broth
* 1 teaspoon dried thyme
* 1/2 teaspoon dried marjoram
* 1 bay leaf
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Optional toppings: croutons, sour cream, shredded cheese, fresh parsley

**Instructions:**

1. Rinse the split peas thoroughly.
2. Combine all ingredients in a slow cooker.
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until split peas are tender.
4. Remove bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve hot with desired toppings.

**Enjoy!**