When the weather gets chilly, there’s nothing better than a hearty bowl of soup to warm you up. This Cozy Slow Cooker Sweet Potato Split Pea Soup is the perfect comfort food, combining the earthy flavors of split peas with the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes, all infused with warm spices. Best of all, it’s incredibly easy to make—just toss everything into your slow cooker and let it work its magic.
This soup is not just delicious; it’s also a nutritional powerhouse, packed with fiber, protein, and vitamins. Whether you’re meal prepping, feeding a crowd, or simply craving something cozy, this recipe will become your go-to for busy nights or lazy weekends.
Why You’ll Love This Sweet Potato Split Pea Soup
- Hands-Off Cooking: The slow cooker does all the hard work for you.
- Nutrient-Rich: Full of fiber, protein, and anti-inflammatory spices.
- Budget-Friendly: Made with simple, affordable ingredients.
- Flavorful and Hearty: Smoked paprika and cumin bring a deep, savory flavor to this comforting dish.
- Customizable: Adjust the spices, toppings, or texture to your preference.
Ingredients for Cozy Slow Cooker Sweet Potato Split Pea Soup
| Category | Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Base Ingredients | Dried split peas, rinsed and sorted | 1 1/2 cups |
| Sweet potatoes, peeled and diced | 2 medium (about 4 cups) | |
| Carrots, peeled and sliced | 2 medium (about 1 cup) | |
| Onion, chopped | 1 medium (about 1 cup) | |
| Garlic, minced | 3 cloves | |
| Spices | Smoked paprika | 1 teaspoon |
| Ground cumin | 1/2 teaspoon | |
| Dried thyme | 1/2 teaspoon | |
| Ground turmeric | 1/2 teaspoon | |
| Black pepper | 1/4 teaspoon | |
| Cayenne pepper (optional) | 1/4 teaspoon | |
| Bay leaf | 1 | |
| Liquids | Vegetable broth (or chicken broth for non-vegetarian) | 6 cups |
| Salt | 1/2 teaspoon (adjust to taste) | |
| Optional Toppings | Fresh parsley | As desired |
| Sour cream | A dollop per serving | |
| Croutons | For texture |
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Ingredients
- Rinse the dried split peas thoroughly under cold water to remove any debris.
- Peel and dice the sweet potatoes and carrots. Chop the onion and mince the garlic.
2. Assemble Ingredients in the Slow Cooker
- Add the rinsed split peas, sweet potatoes, carrots, onion, and garlic to a 6-quart slow cooker.
- Sprinkle in the smoked paprika, ground cumin, dried thyme, ground turmeric, black pepper, cayenne pepper (if using), and the bay leaf.
3. Add the Broth and Start Cooking
- Pour in the vegetable broth (or chicken broth). Stir everything to combine and evenly distribute the spices.
- Cover the slow cooker with the lid and set it to low heat for 6–8 hours or high heat for 4–5 hours.
4. Blend for Creaminess (Optional)
- Once the soup is fully cooked and the split peas and vegetables are tender, remove the bay leaf.
- For a smoother texture, use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup directly in the slow cooker. Alternatively, transfer some of the soup to a blender, puree it, and return it to the pot.
5. Adjust the Seasoning
- Taste the soup and adjust the salt and black pepper to your preference.
6. Serve and Garnish
- Ladle the soup into bowls. Top with fresh parsley, a dollop of sour cream, or croutons for added flavor and texture. Serve warm and enjoy!
Nutritional Benefits of Sweet Potato Split Pea Soup
This soup isn’t just comforting—it’s packed with nutrients to fuel your body and keep you satisfied:
| Ingredient | Health Benefits |
|---|---|
| Split Peas | High in plant-based protein, fiber, and iron to support muscle growth and digestion. |
| Sweet Potatoes | Rich in beta-carotene for healthy skin and vision. |
| Carrots | Packed with antioxidants and vitamin A to boost immunity. |
| Garlic and Onion | Help reduce inflammation and strengthen your immune system. |
| Spices (Turmeric, Cumin) | Provide anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties for overall health. |
Tips for Making the Best Slow Cooker Sweet Potato Split Pea Soup
1. Rinse the Split Peas Thoroughly
Always rinse your split peas under cold water to remove any dust or debris.
2. Adjust the Spice Levels
Add cayenne pepper for heat or smoked paprika for a deeper smoky flavor. Customize the spices to your taste.
3. Blend to Your Preference
For a creamier soup, blend part or all of it. If you prefer a chunkier texture, skip the blending step entirely.
4. Add Toppings for Extra Flavor
Enhance your soup with toppings like croutons, fresh parsley, or a dollop of sour cream.
5. Store and Freeze for Meal Prep
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat gently, adding a splash of broth to restore the creamy consistency.
Why Sweet Potatoes and Split Peas Are a Winning Combination
Sweet potatoes and split peas work together beautifully in this soup. The natural sweetness of the potatoes balances the earthy flavor of the split peas, creating a harmonious blend that’s both comforting and satisfying. The added spices bring warmth and depth, making every spoonful a delight.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~220 |
| Protein | 10 g |
| Fat | 4 g |
| Carbohydrates | 35 g |
| Fiber | 8 g |
| Sodium | ~450 mg |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use yellow split peas instead of green?
Yes! Yellow split peas work just as well and have a slightly milder flavor.
2. Do I need to soak the split peas before cooking?
No, soaking is not necessary for this recipe. The slow cooker softens the peas perfectly.
3. Can I freeze this soup?
Absolutely. Let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 3 months.
4. How can I make this soup vegan?
Use vegetable broth and skip the sour cream topping for a fully vegan version.
5. What can I serve with this soup?
This soup pairs well with crusty bread, garlic toast, or a fresh side salad.
6. Can I add extra vegetables?
Definitely! Zucchini, spinach, or bell peppers can be added for more nutrition and flavor.
Conclusion: A Cozy Bowl of Comfort
This Cozy 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 ingredients, warm spices, and simple preparation, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again.
So, grab your slow cooker, gather your ingredients, and let this soup bring warmth and nourishment to your table.
Pro Tip: Double the recipe and freeze portions for quick, satisfying meals on busy days! Enjoy!
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Cozy Slow Cooker Sweet Potato Split Pea Soup
- Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Slow Cooker Sweet Potato Split Pea Soup is ahearty and flavorful dish made with dried split peas, sweet potatoes, carrots,and a blend of spices. It’s a wholesome, easy-to-make soup that’s perfect forvegetarians or anyone craving a cozy, nutritious meal.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups dried split peas (rinsed and sorted)
- 2 medium sweet potatoes (peeled and diced (about 4 cups))
- 2 medium carrots (peeled and sliced (about 1 cup))
- 1 medium onion (chopped (about 1 cup))
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
Spices:
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 1 bay leaf
Liquids:
- 6 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth for non-vegetarian)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
Optional Toppings:
- Fresh parsley
- A dollop of sour cream
- Croutons
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients : Rinse and sort the dried split peas to remove any debris. Peel and dice the sweet potatoes and carrots, chop the onion, and mince the garlic.
- Add Ingredients to the Slow Cooker : In a 6-quart slow cooker, combine the split peas, sweet potatoes, carrots, onion, and garlic. Add the smoked paprika, ground cumin, dried thyme, ground turmeric, black pepper, cayenne pepper (if using), and the bay leaf.
- Add Broth and Cook : Pour in the vegetable broth (or chicken broth). Stir to combine. Cover and cook on low heat for 6–8 hours or on high heat for 4–5 hours, until the split peas are soft and the vegetables are tender.
- Blend (Optional) : For a creamier texture, use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup directly in the slow cooker. Alternatively, blend a portion of the soup in a blender and stir it back into the pot.
- Adjust Seasonings : Remove the bay leaf and taste the soup. Adjust the salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve and Garnish : Ladle the soup into bowls and top with fresh parsley, a dollop of sour cream, or croutons for added texture and flavor. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Make It Vegan: Use vegetable broth and skip the sour cream for a fully vegan version.
- Customize the Spices: Add more cayenne pepper for extra heat or smoked paprika for a deeper smoky flavor.
- Storage Tips: Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat gently, adding a splash of broth to restore the creamy consistency.
- Add More Veggies: Feel free to add zucchini, spinach, or bell peppers for extra nutrition and flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American