Green Split Pea Soup – Hearty & Easy
Slow Cooker Recipe!

There’s nothing quite as comforting as a bowl of homemade green split pea soup simmering away in your slow cooker. This classic recipe transforms humble split peas into a creamy, flavorful soup packed with tender carrots, onion, and celery.

✅ Quick Answer: How do you make green split pea soup?
To make green split pea soup, combine rinsed split peas, carrots, onion, celery, garlic, ham, and stock in a slow cooker. Simmer for 4–6 hours until the peas are tender and creamy. Serve with fresh bread for a warm, filling meal.

With just a touch of ham and garlic for richness, it’s hearty enough for dinner yet simple enough for busy weeknights. Best of all, you can make it with dehydrated pantry staples or swap in fresh ingredients when you have them on hand.

The split peas break down into a rich, velvety broth, while tender carrots, onions, and celery (the trio known as Mirepoix) add texture and depth.

Green Split Pea soup in a square bowl, with a spoon

Serve it with a slice (or two!) of homemade bread and butter for the perfect cozy meal.

Top of Recipe

Green Split Pea Soup Recipe

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Use the freshly boiled water to rehydrate the dehydrated items above.
  2. When they are sufficiently plump, put the veggies and their water in your slow cooker/crock pot.
  3. Add the ham stock and let it cool down a bit so you don't shock your crock (pot)!
  4. Add the green split peas (check for stones, and other foreign objects first) 
  5. Stir with a wooden spoon.
  6. Let it slow cook for a minimum of four hours on high.

*IF you need to add salt, do so, BUT be careful NOT to over-salt as the bouillon has salt in it.

Nutrition Information

  • Servings: 8 servings
  • Calories: 203kcals
  • Fat: 2.3g
  • Protein: 17.8g
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
Bottom of Recipe

Want to Use Fresh Ingredients?

If you want to use fresh ingredients that you may have on hand, do this:

Carrots, onion, garlic, celery on a cutting board

Exchange the dry ingredients in the recipe, above, for these fresh ingredients listed below!

  • 2 small carrots, washed, peeled, and sliced
  • 1/2 large onion, peeled and diced
  • 1 celery stalk, sliced
  • 2 slices fresh elephant garlic, or 1 small clove of "regular sized" garlic

Why Green Split Peas Are So Good for You

Absolutely! Split peas are a great source of protein, fiber, and vitamins, making this soup as nutritious as it is delicious.

Green Peas vs. Split Peas: What’s the Difference?

The key difference? Green peas are eaten whole, while split peas are dried and naturally split, making them ideal for soups and stews where they soften and thicken beautifully.

Cooking with Dehydrated Ingredients: Time-Saving Tips

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The Secret to Perfectly Cooked Green Split Pea Soup

green split pea soup at the start, in a slow cooker
green split pea soup in a slow cooker - ready to eat!

Cook in the slow cooker on low heat all day—and you'll come home to the most delicious, smooth pea soup you've ever had—to be savored with a slice of bread and butter! In a rush for lunch? Cook it on high for around four hours so begin making it after breakfast.

Don't forget you can use yellow split peas too for a change. This recipe lends itself to lentils just as easily, though I do have a lentil soup recipe for you to try.

When green split pea soup is ready, there will be NO crunch to the peas, it's a great gauge to see if it's fully cooked. No pea crunch? You're good to go. The split peas will melt in your mouth.

I love making this soup—it tastes so good—and it is very easy on the pocketbook.

This recipe serves six people if you're just having a bowl of soup on its own. If you're having a sandwich to go along with it, it'll serve eight easily as you won't need to eat as much soup!

MUST DO: Get some of your freshly sliced bread and treat yourself to some real butter. Spread generously—dip gently—chew slowly, and savor the taste and experience!

Got leftovers? Just to let you know this green split pea soup thickens overnight in the fridge. Add a little water to it if you wish to make it a little thinner in consistency.

Why Are They Called “Split Peas”?

green and yellow split peas

Split peas are so named because they are literally split in half. This variety of pea is dried and then packaged for sale.

Split peas are peeled and split in half for a few key reasons:

  • Faster cooking time - Splitting the peas exposes more surface area which allows them to cook much faster compared to whole peas.
  • Improved texture - Splitting helps remove the tough outer skin of the pea. This leaves a tender, creamy interior with a texture better suited to soups, purees and dips.
  • Reduced risk of gassiness - Some argue that split peas cause less flatulence and digestive discomfort compared to unsplit varieties since the skins contain complex sugars that can cause gas.
  • Tradition - Split peas have been a food staple for centuries in many cultures.

Can You Buy Split Peas Fresh, Frozen, or Only Dried?

No, split peas can also be bought fresh or frozen. However, most people prefer to buy them in their dehydrated form.

Your Top Green Split Pea Soup Questions, Answered

Can I make split pea soup without ham?

Yes! Simply leave out the ham or replace it with smoked paprika, liquid smoke, or a vegetarian bouillon base for a rich, meat-free version.

How do I store and reheat leftover split pea soup?

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The soup thickens overnight; thin with a little water or broth when reheating on the stove or in the microwave.

Can I freeze green split pea soup?

Absolutely. Portion cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving space for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Why does my split pea soup turn out quite thick?

Split peas naturally thicken as they cook. Stir in extra stock or water at the end if you prefer a thinner consistency.

Can I use yellow split peas instead of green?

Yes! Yellow split peas cook the same way and give a slightly milder, earthier flavor.

Thanks for stopping by to check out my favorite comfort food, green split pea soup. It’s budget-friendly, filling, and a great way to use dehydrated or fresh ingredients.

If you enjoyed this recipe, don’t miss out on my free 5 Dried Food Recipes You'll Actually Love PDF (below) — featuring carrot soup, minestrone, split pea soup, spicy beef jerky, and banana cinnamon rolls. They’re simple, delicious, and perfect for your pantry!

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