This chunky soup of split peas, tomatoes and bacon makes a fantastic warming treat on a cold winters day or hearty supper. Ideal as a slow cooker recipe, as the split peas benefit from the long slow cooking to soften them, it can also be slow cooked in a warm oven if you don’t own a slow cooker or crock pot. This soup can quickly be assembled before you go out for a long winter walk and be ready when you return. We are always on the lookout for interesting slow cooker recipes since we invested in ours some years ago. If you don’t own one we recommend you consider getting one. They free up your life especially if your working hours result in getting home hungry and you want your dinner ready for you.
Link to measurement conversion chart
This recipe makes enough for 4 servings;
Ingredients
- 250g smoked bacon lardons
- 1 onion chopped
- 2 sticks celery destringed and chopped
- 1 clove garlic chopped
- 2 sprigs of thyme
- 1 x 400 g tin of chopped tomatoes
- 1 tbsp tomato puree
- 175g Yellow split peas
- 1 L boiling water
- Grated cheddar to garnish - optional
You will also need
- A slow cooker or a lidded casserole dish, if cooking in the oven
Method
- Brown the lardons in a frying pan and put in the slow cooker
- Add all the remaining ingredients to the slow cooker except the cheese
- Add the water and stir then put the lid on
- Switch the cooker to high and leave to cook for approx. 4 hours
- Once cooked remove the thyme sprigs and serve in warm bowls sprinkled with a little grated cheddar
- If cooking in the oven heat the oven to 120C and cook for the same length of time
Eat and enjoy!
Serving suggestions and variations
- This meaty soup is best served with a chunk of bread or slice of toast
- If you prefer more liquid once cooked, add a little more boiling water
- Do not be tempted to add and salt as the bacon does this for you.
- For a vegetarian version replace the bacon with 2-3 chopped carrots and a teaspoon of smoked paprika and a pinch of salt
- Try using half a chorizo chopped instead of the bacon
- Green lentils make a good alternative to split peas
Acknowledgements
The original recipe came from a Sainsburys recipe book. We adapted it to suit the ingredients we had in our store cupboard and the changes stuck. We particularly like the texture of the pea’s and bacon together, it makes a nice change from the smooth soups we usually enjoy. Thanks to Sainsburys inspiration.
You might like to try some other recipes from our collection;
- Eggs and bacon are a great combination. For a more substantial accompaniment try a Fried Egg Sandwich.
- Looking for other one pot meals then have a go at our Totally Tasty Cottage Pie
- It's always nice to finish off a meal with a tasty treat and what better than a slice of Dundee Cake
We hope you have enjoyed this recipe. If you have some photo's to share, we would love to hear from you or you can post them on our Facebook page.
Happy eating!