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Andersen's Split Pea Soup (Crock Pot Version) Copycat

This came from the Los Angeles Times via Liz at Recipegoldmine.com. It was a stove top soup, but the closest I've yet found to Anderson's which is a tradition in California. I modified it just a bit for the crock pot and made it a hair thicker to suit our tastes. You can also add bacon, ham, or ham hocks to enhance the flavor a bit.

5.0 · 17 reviewsRecipe card by OhMyStarsEditorial by recipesvibrant · Updated October 13, 2026
ScandinavianEuropeanVeganLow CholesterolHealthyEasy
Andersen's Split Pea Soup (Crock Pot Version) Copycat

Total time

370 min

Servings

8

Calories

178.1

Category

Danish

Warm up with our authentic, plant-based copycat version of the famous Andersen's Split Pea Soup. This Crock Pot recipe captures the rich, creamy, and savory essence of the classic Danish-inspired favorite, all while being naturally vegan, cholesterol-free, and incredibly budget-friendly. Perfect for cozy weeknights or meal prepping for the week ahead.

Ingredients

Makes 8 servings

  • 6 water
  • 2 celery
  • 1 carrot
  • 1 onion
  • 1 thyme
  • 1/4 bay leaf
  • 1 salt
  • 1 pepper

Method

  1. Combine water, peas, celery, carrot, onion, thyme, red pepper and bay leaf in crock pot.

  2. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

  3. Cook on low until split peas and vegetables are tender (anywhere from 6-8 hours).

  4. Press soup through fine sieve and reheat just to boiling point or use hand blender to smooth.

Cook's notes

  • For a perfectly creamy texture, use an immersion blender to pulse the soup a few times once the peas have fully broken down.
  • To achieve a 'meaty' depth without ham, add a dash of smoked paprika or a teaspoon of liquid smoke to mimic the traditional salty, cured flavor.
  • If you prefer a thinner consistency, add an extra cup of vegetable broth or water during the last hour of cooking.
  • Always rinse your split peas thoroughly under cold water before adding them to the slow cooker to remove any debris.

Easy swaps

  • Swap yellow split peas for green split peas if you prefer the traditional vibrant green color.
  • Use vegetable bouillon paste mixed with water for a deeper, more concentrated savory flavor.
  • Add diced carrots and celery during the first hour of cooking for extra crunch and color.
  • For a gluten-free version, ensure your vegetable broth is certified gluten-free.

Frequently asked

Do I need to soak the split peas before cooking?

No, unlike other dried beans, split peas do not require soaking. Simply rinse them well, and they will soften perfectly in the slow cooker.

Can I make this on the stovetop instead of a Crock Pot?

Yes! If you prefer the stovetop, simmer the ingredients in a large pot for about 60-90 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the peas are tender and falling apart.

Is this soup healthy?

Absolutely! This recipe is low in cholesterol, high in plant-based protein and fiber, and uses heart-healthy whole-food ingredients.

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