Hearty Slow Cooker Sweet Potato & Split Pea Soup: A Bowl of Comfort and Nutrition

There’s something magical about a warm, hearty bowl of soup, especially one that’s made effortlessly in a slow cooker. Hearty Slow Cooker Sweet Potato & Split Pea Soup is the ultimate comfort food that delivers rich flavors and wholesome nutrition in every spoonful. Imagine coming home to the aroma of sweet potatoes, split peas, and fragrant spices like cumin and turmeric, all melding together into a creamy, satisfying dish.

This soup is perfect for busy weekdays, chilly evenings, or when you need a meal that feels like a hug in a bowl. It’s nutritious, packed with plant-based goodness, and incredibly simple to prepare—just set it in your slow cooker and let it do the work while you go about your day.

Let’s dive into what makes this soup so special, how to prepare it, and why it deserves a spot in your weekly meal rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Sweet Potato & Split Pea Soup

This soup is more than just a meal—it’s a celebration of flavor, nutrition, and convenience. Here’s why you’re going to love it:

• Easy and Hands-Off: With the slow cooker, there’s no need to stand over the stove. Just toss in your ingredients, set the timer, and let the magic happen.
• Nutritious and Filling: Sweet potatoes, split peas, and fresh vegetables come together to create a high-fiber, protein-rich meal that keeps you full and satisfied.
• Bursting with Flavor: The combination of turmeric, cumin, and a hint of black pepper adds warmth and depth to this soup, while the lemon juice brightens the flavors at the end.
• Versatile and Customizable: You can easily adjust the spices, add more vegetables, or garnish with your favorite toppings.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: This soup stores beautifully in the fridge or freezer, making it ideal for make-ahead meals.

Ingredients for Hearty Slow Cooker Sweet Potato & Split Pea Soup

Here’s everything you’ll need to create this delicious, hearty soup. These simple, wholesome ingredients come together to make a flavorful and nourishing dish.

Ingredient	Quantity
Sweet potatoes, diced	2 medium
Dried split peas, rinsed	1 cup
Onion, chopped	1 medium
Garlic, minced	2 cloves
Carrots, diced	3 medium
Celery, chopped	2 stalks
Bay leaf	1
Ground turmeric	1 teaspoon
Ground cumin	1/2 teaspoon
Ground black pepper	1/2 teaspoon
Salt	To taste
Vegetable broth or water	4 cups
Olive oil (optional)	1 tablespoon
Lemon juice (optional)	1 tablespoon

These ingredients are pantry staples and fresh produce, making this recipe budget-friendly and easy to prepare.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Sweet Potato & Split Pea Soup

Follow these simple steps to create a hearty and delicious soup with minimal effort.

1. Prepare the Ingredients

• Start by rinsing the split peas under cold water to remove any impurities.
• Peel and dice the sweet potatoes, chop the onion, carrots, and celery, and mince the garlic.

2. Assemble in the Slow Cooker

• Place the diced sweet potatoes, rinsed split peas, chopped onion, minced garlic, diced carrots, and chopped celery into the slow cooker.
• Add the bay leaf, ground turmeric, cumin, black pepper, and a pinch of salt.

3. Add the Liquid

• Pour the vegetable broth or water over the ingredients, making sure everything is fully immersed.
• Stir gently to combine all the flavors.

4. Set the Slow Cooker

• Cover the slow cooker and cook:
  • Low setting: 6–8 hours
  • High setting: 3–4 hours
• Cook until the split peas and vegetables are soft and tender.

5. Add the Final Touches

• Remove the bay leaf and stir in the olive oil for added richness and the lemon juice for brightness.
• Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt or black pepper as needed.

6. Serve and Enjoy

• Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley, cilantro, or a dollop of yogurt for added flavor and visual appeal.
• Serve warm with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.

Tips for Making the Best Slow Cooker Sweet Potato & Split Pea Soup

1. Rinse the Split Peas: This removes any dust or impurities and ensures they cook evenly.
2. Chop Vegetables Evenly: Dice the sweet potatoes, carrots, and celery into similar sizes so they cook at the same rate.
3. Don’t Skip the Spices: Turmeric and cumin add warmth and depth to the soup, while black pepper enhances the flavor.
4. Add Liquid Carefully: The amount of broth or water may vary depending on your desired soup thickness. Add more for a thinner soup, less for a thicker consistency.
5. Garnish for Extra Flavor: Fresh herbs, a drizzle of olive oil, or a squeeze of lemon juice can elevate the dish.
6. Freeze for Later: This soup freezes beautifully. Store it in airtight containers for up to 3 months and thaw in the fridge before reheating.

Why This Recipe Works

This Hearty Slow Cooker Sweet Potato & Split Pea Soup is a winning recipe for so many reasons:

• Balanced Flavors: The natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes pairs beautifully with the earthiness of split peas and the warmth of the spices.
• Convenience: The slow cooker does all the hard work for you, making it perfect for busy days.
• Nutrient-Dense: Packed with fiber, vitamins, and plant-based protein, this soup is as healthy as it is delicious.
• Adaptable: You can easily swap ingredients or adjust the spices to suit your taste preferences.

Nutritional Information

Here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown for one serving of soup (based on six servings):

Nutrient	Per Serving
Calories	180–200 kcal
Protein	7–9g
Fat	3–4g
Carbohydrates	35–40g
Fiber	8–10g
Sodium	400–500mg

This soup is a low-fat, high-fiber option that’s perfect for maintaining a balanced diet.

What to Serve with Sweet Potato & Split Pea Soup

This soup is hearty enough to be enjoyed on its own, but it also pairs well with a variety of sides:

• Crusty Bread: Perfect for dipping into the creamy soup.
• Side Salad: A light salad with a citrus vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast.
• Roasted Vegetables: Try roasted Brussels sprouts, asparagus, or cauliflower for added texture and flavor.
• Grilled Cheese Sandwich: A classic comfort food pairing!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this soup on the stovetop?

Yes! Simply combine all the ingredients in a large pot, bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for 45–60 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the split peas and vegetables are tender.

2. Can I freeze this soup?

Absolutely! Let the soup cool completely, then store it in airtight containers in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

3. What can I use instead of sweet potatoes?

You can substitute butternut squash, regular potatoes, or even parsnips for a slightly different flavor profile.

4. Is this soup vegan?

Yes, this recipe is naturally vegan as long as you use vegetable broth.

5. Can I blend the soup?

For a smoother texture, use an immersion blender to puree part or all of the soup before serving.

6. Can I add more protein?

Of course! Add cooked chickpeas, lentils, or diced tofu to increase the protein content.

Conclusion: Make Hearty Slow Cooker Sweet Potato & Split Pea Soup Tonight!

Now that you know how to make Hearty Slow Cooker Sweet Potato & Split Pea Soup, it’s time to gather your ingredients and get cooking. This recipe is easy, flavorful, and nutritious, making it perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a cozy weeknight dinner, a meal-prep option, or a dish to impress guests, this soup delivers on all fronts.

So grab your slow cooker, chop up those sweet potatoes, and let the magic begin. Your taste buds—and your body—will thank you for this delicious, hearty meal. Enjoy!

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