Slow Cooker Pea & Ham Soup Recipe

Introduction

This slow cooker pea and ham soup is a comforting, hearty dish perfect for chilly days. It combines tender peas with flavorful ham to create a smooth, satisfying soup with minimal effort.

Ingredients

• 1 onion, chopped
• 250g leeks, sliced
• 2 bay leaves
• 450g cooked ham (for best results, keep as a joint)
• 1½ l hot low-salt vegetable stock (or use water)
• 750g fresh or frozen peas (defrosted if frozen)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Tip the onion, leeks, bay leaves, and ham into a slow cooker. Pour over the hot vegetable stock and cook on high for 2 hours or low for 6 hours. If using an uncooked gammon joint, cook for an additional 45 minutes on high or 2 hours on low.
2. Step 2: Remove the ham and set aside. Add the peas to the slow cooker and cook on high for 30 minutes more until the peas are tender.
3. Step 3: Meanwhile, shred the ham using your hands or two forks once it’s cool enough to handle.
4. Step 4: Remove and discard the bay leaves from the soup, then transfer the soup to a blender and blitz until smooth.
5. Step 5: Season the soup to taste, then divide between bowls. Scatter the shredded ham over the top before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For a creamier texture, add a splash of cream or milk after blending the soup.
• If you prefer a chunkier soup, reserve some peas before blending and stir them back in at the end.
• Use smoked ham for a richer, smokier flavor.
• Vegetarians can omit the ham and use vegetable stock for a pea and leek soup.

Storage

Once cooled, the pea soup (without ham) can be frozen for up to three months. Defrost completely in the fridge overnight, then reheat gently in a pan until piping hot. Shred and add the ham fresh when serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen?

Yes, fresh peas work well and may require slightly less cooking time. Just add them towards the end of cooking and adjust accordingly.

Can I make this soup without a slow cooker?

Absolutely. Simmer the onion, leeks, bay leaves, ham, and stock in a large saucepan for about 1 hour until flavors meld, then proceed with the remaining steps on the stovetop.

Slow Cooker Pea & Ham Soup Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 91 reviews

• Author: Jack
• Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes (high) or 6 hours 45 minutes (low)
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Diet: Low Salt

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Description

This comforting Slow Cooker Pea & Ham Soup combines tender ham with sweet peas and aromatic vegetables, slow-cooked to perfection for a hearty and flavorful meal. Using a slow cooker makes it effortless to prepare, resulting in a smooth, creamy soup that’s perfect as a warming lunch or dinner.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Vegetables

• 1 onion, chopped
• 250g leeks, sliced
• 2 bay leaves
• 750g fresh or frozen peas (defrosted if frozen)

Meat

• 450g cooked ham (preferably as a joint)

Liquids

• 1½ l hot low-salt vegetable stock (or water)

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Instructions

1. Prepare ingredients: Chop the onion and slice the leeks. Gather the bay leaves and ham joint.
2. Set up slow cooker: Place the chopped onion, sliced leeks, bay leaves, and ham into the slow cooker. Pour over the hot vegetable stock ensuring ingredients are well covered.
3. Slow cook base: Cook on high for 2 hours or low for 6 hours until vegetables are tender and flavors meld. If using an uncooked gammon joint, extend cooking by 45 minutes on high or 2 hours on low to ensure thorough cooking.
4. Add peas and finish cooking: Remove the ham from the slow cooker and set aside. Add the peas into the slow cooker and cook on high for an additional 30 minutes until peas are tender.
5. Shred ham: While peas cook, shred the reserved ham by hand or with forks, depending on temperature.
6. Blend soup: Remove and discard bay leaves. Transfer the soup to a blender and blitz until smooth and creamy.
7. Freeze or reheat: Once completely cooled, you may freeze the soup without ham for up to three months. To serve later, defrost overnight in the fridge and reheat in a pan until piping hot.
8. Serve: Season the soup to taste. Divide between bowls and scatter shredded ham over each serving before enjoying.

Notes

• Using a ham joint gives the best flavor and texture; pre-cooked ham speeds up preparation.
• If using uncooked gammon, increase cooking time to ensure it’s fully cooked inside.
• You can substitute vegetable stock with water, but stock enriches the flavor.
• Blending the soup creates a smooth texture but you can reserve some peas before blending for added texture.
• Soup can be frozen without ham; add freshly shredded ham when reheating.
• Adjust seasoning after cooking as stock and ham provide saltiness.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes (on high) or 6 hours 30 minutes (on low)
• Category: Soup
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: British

Keywords: slow cooker soup, pea soup, ham soup, easy slow cooker recipes, British soup, healthy pea soup, comfort food