Slow Cooker Ham and Split Pea Stew with Root Vegetables

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A warming, hearty stew combining smoky ham, green split peas, and tender root vegetables slow-cooked to meld rich flavors, inspired by the comforting homes of Hamme. This mediterranean-inspired pork ready in about 495 minutes pairs rinsed green split peas, (about 1.5 lbs) smoked ham hock, medium, diced carrots for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 480 min Serves 6 Mediterranean cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large skillet, heat 2 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 large diced yellow onion, 3 diced carrots, and 2 diced celery stalks. Sauté for 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Transfer the sautéed vegetables to a slow cooker. Add 1 1/2 cups rinsed green split peas, 6 cups vegetable broth, 3 minced garlic cloves, 2 bay leaves, 1 tsp chopped fresh thyme, and 1 smoked ham hock.
  3. Step 3: Season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Stir to combine.
  4. Step 4: Cover and cook on low for 8-9 hours or on high for 4-5 hours until the peas are tender and the flavors meld. Remove bay leaves and discard.
  5. Step 5: Remove the ham hock and shred any meat off the bone, discarding fat and bone. Return shredded meat to the stew and stir.
  6. Step 6: Adjust seasoning with the remaining 1/2 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Serve hot with crusty bread for a rustic meal.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow Cooker Ham and Split Pea Stew with Root Vegetables take to make?

Total time is about 495 minutes (15 min prep + 480 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Slow Cooker Ham and Split Pea Stew with Root Vegetables?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep rinsed green split peas from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow Cooker Ham and Split Pea Stew with Root Vegetables?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Slow Cooker Ham and Split Pea Stew with Root Vegetables for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Slow Cooker Ham and Split Pea Stew with Root Vegetables?

Mediterranean pork like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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