This hearty slow cooker pea and ham soup is packed with tender ham, sweet peas, and vegetables in a rich, flavorful broth. It’s an easy comfort food recipe that’s perfect for chilly days and pairs beautifully with crusty bread. By letting the slow cooker work its magic on ham hocks, you get an extraordinarily rich broth with zero fuss.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time | 7–8 hours (Low) or 4 hours (High) |
| Total Time | 7.5–8.5 hours |
| Servings | 4 to 6 servings |
| Difficulty | Very Easy |
| Cuisine | Classic Comfort Soup |
Why This Recipe Works
Slow-cooking ham hocks creates an exceptionally rich, savory broth infused with deep smoky flavor. Adding frozen peas near the end of cooking keeps their vibrant green color and fresh, sweet taste intact, while the diced potatoes and a quick pulse with an immersion blender give the soup its signature velvety, thick texture without needing heavy cream.
Ingredients
The Main Components & Veggies
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ham hocks | 2 | Provides deep flavor and tender meat |
| Frozen peas | 500 g | Added at the end for vibrant freshness |
| Leek | 1 | Sliced |
| Potatoes | 2 | Diced, helps naturally thicken the soup |
| Garlic cloves | 2 | Crushed |
Broth, Seasonings, & Serving
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken stock | 1.2 liters | Rich liquid base |
| Bay leaf | 1 | Aromatic depth |
| Fresh mint | 2 tbsp | Chopped, for a bright finish |
| Black pepper | To taste | Seasoning |
| Crusty bread | For serving | Essential for dipping |
Step-by-Step Instructions
Phase 1: Slow Cooking
- Place the ham hocks, sliced leek, diced potatoes, and crushed garlic into the slow cooker.
- Pour in the chicken stock and add the bay leaf.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 7–8 hours or HIGH for 4 hours, until the ham is completely tender and falling off the bone.
Phase 2: Shredding and Peas
- Carefully remove the ham hocks from the slow cooker and discard the bones and skin. Shred the tender meat and return it back into the slow cooker.
- Stir in the frozen peas and cook for an additional 20 minutes, or until the peas are tender and bright.
Phase 3: Blending and Serving
- For a thicker, creamier consistency, blend part of the soup with an immersion blender directly in the pot, making sure to leave some chunks for texture.
- Stir in the chopped fresh mint and season with black pepper to taste.
- Ladle hot into bowls and serve immediately with slices of crusty bread.
Chef Tips for Perfect Results
Watch the Salt: Ham hocks are naturally quite salty. Wait until the very end of cooking, after you have shredded the meat and stirred everything together, before deciding if you need to add any additional salt.
Fresh Mint is Key: Don’t skip the fresh mint at the end! It cuts through the rich, savory ham flavor with a refreshing burst of herbal brightness.
Conclusion
Slow Cooker Pea and Ham Soup is the ultimate set-and-forget winter meal. Wholesome, budget-friendly, and deeply comforting, it’s guaranteed to warm you up from the inside out.