About the Recipe
There’s nothing fancy about this one—and that’s exactly why we love it.
This is the kind of meal that starts with a simple bag of split peas, a little leftover ham, and a crock pot that does all the work while life happens around it. By the end of the day, you’ve got a thick, hearty soup that fills the kitchen with that slow-cooked, homey kind of comfort you just can’t rush.
It’s the kind of recipe that feeds a crowd, stretches into leftovers, and somehow tastes even better the next day.
We like to keep it simple and serve it with a classic BLT on soft sourdough sandwich bread—something about that combination just works.
Ingredients
1 lb dried split peas (about 2 1/2 cups)
9 cups chicken broth (use 8 cups for thicker soup)
4 carrots, coarsely chopped
3 medium potatoes, diced
3 celery stalks, chopped
1 onion, finely chopped
2–3 cups diced ham (I like to dice the ham in size variations for texture differences)
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 bay leaf
Preparation
Add all ingredients directly to a crock pot.
Stir gently to combine, ensuring the split peas are fully submerged.
Cover and cook on low for 8–10 hours, until the peas are soft and the soup is thick and hearty.
Remove the bay leaf before serving.
If the soup is thinner than desired, stir in a small cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch1 tablespoon cold water) and cook for an additional 10–15 minutes. Use caution—this soup thickens quickly.
Whisk together in a small bowl until completely smooth.
Serve warm.
Leaven Heaven Notes:
This is one of those “dump it and let it do its thing” recipes—perfect for busy days, market prep weekends, or when you just want something warm waiting on you.
The longer it cooks, the richer and thicker it gets, with the split peas breaking down into that classic creamy texture while still holding onto all those hearty chunks of vegetables and ham.
Red onion or yellow onion - both works beautifully here, so use what you’ve got—this is a flexible, forgiving recipe.
Pairing Recommendation
Serve alongside a classic BLT made with Leaven Heaven™ Sandwich Bread—soft, sturdy, and perfect for soaking up every last spoonful. Crispy bacon, fresh lettuce, and juicy tomato on sourdough takes this simple meal to a full-on comfort experience.