There’s something magical about the aroma of a slow-cooked soup filling your home. It signals warmth, comfort, and nourishment—all in one pot. This slow cooker sweet potato split pea soup is the ultimate hearty meal. Packed with wholesome ingredients like split peas, sweet potatoes, and aromatic spices, it delivers both nutrition and flavor. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner, a make-ahead meal, or something to warm your soul on a chilly day, this recipe has got you covered.
Let’s dive into how you can create this rich, satisfying dish that will quickly become a staple in your home!
Why You’ll Love Slow Cooker Sweet Potato Split Pea Soup
- Effortless Cooking: Just toss the ingredients into your slow cooker and let it do all the work.
- Wholesome and Nutritious: Loaded with plant-based protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
- Budget-Friendly: Made with simple, affordable ingredients.
- Comfort in Every Bite: Sweet potatoes add a natural sweetness that pairs beautifully with the earthy split peas and warm spices.
- Customizable: Adjust the seasonings, add your favorite veggies, or blend for your desired texture.
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Sweet Potato Split Pea Soup
Main Ingredients
| Category | Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Legumes | Dried split peas, rinsed | 2 cups |
| Vegetables | Sweet potatoes, peeled and diced | 2 medium |
| Onion, chopped | 1 medium | |
| Carrots, peeled and chopped | 2 | |
| Celery stalks, chopped | 2 | |
| Garlic, minced | 4 cloves | |
| Liquids | Vegetable broth or chicken broth | 6 cups |
| Spices | Dried thyme | 1 teaspoon |
| Ground cumin | 1/2 teaspoon | |
| Ground turmeric (optional) | 1/2 teaspoon | |
| Ground black pepper | 1/2 teaspoon | |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon (or to taste) | |
| Optional Additions | Olive oil (for sautéing) | 2 tablespoons (optional) |
| Bay leaf | 1 | |
| Toppings | Fresh parsley, chopped | For garnish (optional) |
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Sauté the Vegetables (Optional, but Recommended)
- For enhanced flavor, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Sauté the chopped onion, garlic, carrots, and celery for 3–4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- This step caramelizes the vegetables, bringing out their natural sweetness.
2. Assemble the Ingredients in the Slow Cooker
- Add the rinsed split peas, diced sweet potatoes, chopped onion, carrots, celery, and minced garlic to the slow cooker.
- Pour in the vegetable broth or chicken broth.
3. Season the Soup
- Stir in the dried thyme, ground cumin, ground turmeric (if using), black pepper, and salt.
- Add the bay leaf for extra depth of flavor, if desired.
4. Cook the Soup
- Cover the slow cooker and set it to Low for 7–8 hours or High for 4–5 hours.
- Let the magic happen while the split peas and vegetables become tender and flavorful.
5. Adjust the Texture
- Once the soup is cooked, remove the bay leaf and taste for seasoning. Adjust salt and pepper as needed.
- For a creamier texture, use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup, leaving some chunks for a hearty feel. If you prefer a chunkier soup, skip this step.
6. Serve and Garnish
- Ladle the soup into bowls while hot.
- Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and pair with crusty bread or crackers for a complete meal.
Nutritional Benefits of Sweet Potato Split Pea Soup
This soup isn’t just delicious—it’s a powerhouse of nutrients:
| Ingredient | Health Benefits |
|---|---|
| Split Peas | High in plant-based protein, fiber, and iron, supporting digestion and muscle health. |
| Sweet Potatoes | Rich in beta-carotene, which promotes healthy vision and skin. |
| Carrots | Loaded with antioxidants and vitamin A for a strong immune system. |
| Garlic and Onions | Boost immunity and provide anti-inflammatory benefits. |
| Turmeric | Contains curcumin, known for its powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. |
| Olive Oil | A heart-healthy fat that enhances nutrient absorption. |
Tips for Making the Best Slow Cooker Sweet Potato Split Pea Soup
1. Rinse Your Split Peas
Rinse the split peas thoroughly under cold water before cooking. This removes any dust or debris and ensures a clean flavor.
2. Add the Salt Later
If you want your split peas to cook faster, consider adding the salt toward the end of the cooking process. Salt can sometimes toughen legumes if added too early.
3. Experiment with Spices
Feel free to customize the soup by adding spices like smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, or even curry powder for an extra kick.
4. Adjust the Consistency
For a creamier soup, blend it completely. For a chunkier texture, mash the ingredients slightly with a potato masher or leave them as is.
5. Make It Vegan or Vegetarian
Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and this soup becomes a perfect vegan-friendly dish.
6. Storage and Freezing
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: This soup freezes well! Transfer to freezer-safe containers and store for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or broth to adjust the consistency.
Why Sweet Potato and Split Pea Make the Perfect Pair
Sweet potatoes and split peas create a harmonious balance of flavors and textures. The natural sweetness of the potatoes complements the earthy, hearty split peas, while the smooth texture of the sweet potatoes balances the slight firmness of the split peas. Together, they form a satisfying soup that’s both filling and flavorful.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~220 |
| Protein | 12 g |
| Fat | 5 g |
| Carbohydrates | 35 g |
| Fiber | 8 g |
| Sodium | ~450 mg |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use yellow split peas instead of green split peas?
Yes! Yellow split peas work just as well and provide a slightly milder flavor compared to green split peas.
2. Do I need to soak the split peas before cooking?
No soaking is necessary for this recipe. The slow cooker will soften the split peas perfectly during the cooking process.
3. Can I add meat to this soup?
Absolutely! Ham hocks, diced ham, or shredded chicken make excellent additions for a non-vegetarian version.
4. How can I make this soup spicier?
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper, red chili flakes, or a diced jalapeño for some heat.
5. Can I cook this soup on the stovetop instead of a slow cooker?
Yes! Combine all ingredients in a large pot, bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for about 1.5–2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the split peas and vegetables are tender.
6. What sides pair well with this soup?
Crusty bread, garlic toast, or a fresh side salad are excellent options to serve alongside this soup.
Conclusion: Your New Favorite Comfort Meal
This slow cooker sweet potato split pea soup is more than just a meal—it’s a warm, comforting hug in a bowl. With its hearty texture, wholesome ingredients, and rich flavors, it’s the perfect dish to enjoy on any day when you need a little extra coziness. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make, thanks to your trusty slow cooker.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients, fire up your slow cooker, and treat yourself to a hearty, satisfying soup that will warm your body and soul.
Pro Tip: Garnish each bowl with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a beautiful, flavorful finish!
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Slow Cooker Sweet Potato Split Pea Soup: A Hearty and Comforting Meal
- Total Time: 7 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Slow Cooker Sweet Potato Split Pea Soup is the ultimate combination of flavor and convenience. It’s packed with nutritious ingredients like creamy sweet potatoes, earthy split peas, and aromatic spices. Whether you’re looking for a meal-prep option, a weeknight dinner, or a hearty soup to warm your soul, this recipe has you covered. Let the slow cooker do the hard work while you enjoy a rich, comforting bowl of deliciousness.
Ingredients
- 2 cups dried split peas (rinsed)
- 2 medium sweet potatoes (peeled and diced)
- 1 medium onion (chopped)
- 2 carrots (peeled and chopped)
- 2 celery stalks (chopped)
- 4 garlic cloves (minced)
- 6 cups vegetable broth or chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric (optional, for color)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt (or more to taste)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (optional, for sautéing vegetables)
- 1 bay leaf (optional, for added flavor)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
-
Optional Sautéing for Enhanced Flavor:
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Sauté the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery for 3–4 minutes, until slightly softened and fragrant. This step adds depth of flavor but can be skipped if you’re short on time.
-
Assemble Ingredients in the Slow Cooker:
- Add the rinsed split peas, diced sweet potatoes, chopped onion, carrots, celery, and minced garlic to your slow cooker.
- Pour in the vegetable broth or chicken broth.
-
Season the Soup:
- Stir in the dried thyme, ground cumin, ground turmeric (if using), ground black pepper, and salt.
- Add the bay leaf for extra flavor, if desired.
-
Cook the Soup:
- Cover the slow cooker and set it to Low for 7–8 hours or High for 4–5 hours. Let the ingredients cook until the split peas and vegetables are tender.
-
Adjust Texture and Seasoning:
- Remove the bay leaf. Taste the soup and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
- For a creamier texture, use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup, leaving some chunks. Alternatively, leave it as is for a chunkier consistency.
-
Serve and Garnish:
Notes
- Blending Options: If you prefer a fully creamy soup, blend the entire batch using an immersion blender or a regular blender. For a chunky soup, blend only half or skip blending entirely.
- Customizable Additions: Feel free to add other vegetables such as zucchini, green beans, or kale for added nutrition and texture.
- Freezing Tip: This soup freezes well! Portion it into freezer-safe containers for a quick and hearty meal anytime.
- Vegan Option: Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegan-friendly version.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 hours
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American