Sometimes, the best meals are the ones that quietly simmer away while you get lost in a book or catch up on a favorite show. Slow cooker yellow split pea soup is exactly that kind of dish: simple, satisfying, and a little bit soul-soothing. Its mellow, earthy aroma fills the kitchen and nudges you to slow down, just a little.
I remember the first time I made this soup—it was a late afternoon, and I was half distracted by a phone call that barely finished before the timer beeped. The kitchen smelled like a blend of caramelized onions, garlic, and a faint smokiness that hinted at the paprika. I wasn’t sure if I was ready to eat or just wanted to sit quietly with the warmth radiating from the pot. The texture was somewhere between creamy and chunky, which felt like a cozy compromise. Plus, the subtle lemony brightness at the end made the whole thing feel fresh rather than heavy.
Why You’ll Love It:
- It’s hands-off cooking that delivers deep, layered flavors with minimal effort.
- The texture can be adjusted to your mood—chunky or smooth—without any extra fuss.
- The lemon juice brightens the hearty base, offering a surprising lift.
- It’s simple — and that’s kind of the point. No need for fancy ingredients or complicated steps.
If you’re new to slow-cooked soups, don’t worry. This one is forgiving, and you can tweak the seasoning as you go along. Just be ready for the way it fills your kitchen with a calm, comforting scent that makes you want to slow down and savor the moment.
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Slow Cooker Yellow Split Pea Soup
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 1x
Description
A comforting and hearty slow cooker yellow split pea soup made with simple ingredients, perfect for a warm and nutritious meal.
Ingredients
1 pound yellow split peas, rinsed and drained
1 medium yellow onion, diced
2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
2 celery stalks, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
6 cups vegetable broth
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 bay leaf
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Instructions
Rinse and drain the yellow split peas thoroughly and set aside.
Add the rinsed yellow split peas, diced onion, diced carrots, diced celery, and minced garlic to the slow cooker.
Pour in the vegetable broth and stir to combine all ingredients.
Add the dried thyme, ground cumin, smoked paprika, black pepper, salt, olive oil, and bay leaf to the slow cooker. Stir gently to distribute the spices evenly.
Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on low heat for 6 hours, or until the yellow split peas and vegetables are tender and the soup has thickened.
Remove the bay leaf from the soup and discard it.
Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth, or leave it slightly chunky based on your preference.
Stir in the fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavors.
Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed.
Serve hot and enjoy your slow cooker yellow split pea soup.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
Kitchen Notes: Using a slow cooker makes this soup almost effortless, especially if you have a busy day ahead. I usually serve it with a crusty piece of bread or a simple green salad—something fresh to contrast the richness. If you want to mix it up, a splash of coconut milk or a sprinkle of crispy bacon can add an unexpected twist, but honestly, I haven’t tested all of these options. Sometimes, I leave out the paprika for a milder flavor or add a pinch of chili flakes when feeling adventurous.
FAQ:
Can I prepare this soup without a slow cooker? Yes, you can simmer it on the stove at a low temperature, but it might need more attention to avoid sticking.
How thick should the soup be? That’s up to you—somewhere between chunky and fully blended is nice, but it’s fine either way.
Can I freeze leftovers? Absolutely. It keeps well for a few months and reheats smoothly.
When you’re ready for a meal that feels both nourishing and unpretentious, give this slow cooker yellow split pea soup a try. It’s the kind of comfort food that’s happy to wait for you and fills your kitchen with warmth while you do whatever else you need to do.