The Ingredients.
serves 6 to 8
1 leftover ham hock, with a bit of ham attached
OR 8 ounces turkey bacon, divided (see note below about using pork bacon)
1 (16-ounce) package of dried split peas
1 cup diced yellow onion
1 potato, peeled and diced
1 cup diced carrot
4 cups vegetable broth
1 cup water
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
The Directions.
--dump the peas, diced vegetables, broth, and water into the crockpot
--add the salt and pepper
--if you are using a ham hock, add that now.
If using bacon, add it (diced, raw --- ) ---> saving 4-6 pieces for later use
cover and cook on low 8-10 hours or high for 4-6. I cooked ours for 6 hours on high.
if you went with the ham hock, scrape off any remaining meat and discard the bone.
if you went with the turkey bacon, carefully remove the strips and you can either pan fry them to crisp them up with the saved bacon and crumble on top, or simply discard.
I, personally, discard them but the internet thinks this is SCANDALOUS -- so it is your call.
HEY STEPH: I want to use PORK bacon, not turkey bacon : you can, but your soup will be greasier.
If you are going for an "Anderson's Split Pea" experience my advice is to use the ham hock with already-cooked ham stuck to it or turkey bacon because of this grease..
Use an immersible hand blender to make your soup a bit more creamy and to have an even consistency.
Pea soup is rather thick -- it's kind of porridge-like, and if it sits out it will get a tiny bit of "skin" on it.
This is normal.
Cook remaining pieces of turkey bacon on the stove and crumble over the top, or add any additional ham you still have in your fridge.
The Verdict.
I was really pleased with the way this turned out!
Way better than the canned stuff.
The first time we visited Anderson's I was only able to talk the kids into eating a bite each, (it IS green...) which I'm pretty sure was only because they sell fudge in the lobby.
:-)
They now are MUCH more adventurous and are happy to eat this soup -- and then lick the bowl.
I usually pair it with corn bread.
Happy Slow Cooking!! Have a wonderful day!!
