Slow Cooker Virginia Ham and Black-Eyed Pea Stew
A globally-inspired slow cooker stew combining smoky Virginia ham with tender black-eyed peas and hearty vegetables for a comforting meal. This american southern-inspired slow cooker ready in about 255 minutes pairs rinsed dried black-eyed peas, large, diced yellow onion, medium, peeled and 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.
Ingredients
- 1 (about 1.5 lbs) smoked Virginia ham hock
- 1 cup, rinsed dried black-eyed peas
- 1 large, diced yellow onion
- 2 medium, peeled and diced carrots
- 2, diced celery stalks
- 3 cloves, minced garlic
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 whole bay leaves
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp, chopped fresh thyme
- 2 tbsp, chopped fresh parsley
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Place 1 smoked Virginia ham hock (about 1.5 lbs), 1 cup rinsed dried black-eyed peas, 1 large diced yellow onion, 2 diced carrots, 2 diced celery stalks, and 3 minced garlic cloves into a slow cooker.
- Step 2: Pour 4 cups chicken broth over the ingredients, then add 2 whole bay leaves, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1 tsp chopped fresh thyme.
- Step 3: Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4 hours until the black-eyed peas are tender and the ham is falling off the bone.
- Step 4: Remove the ham hock, shred the meat, and discard the bone and skin. Return the shredded ham to the slow cooker and stir to combine.
- Step 5: Discard the bay leaves, then ladle the stew into bowls and garnish each with 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Slow Cooker Virginia Ham and Black-Eyed Pea Stew take to make?
Total time is about 255 minutes (15 min prep + 240 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 Virginia Ham and Black-Eyed Pea Stew?
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 dried black-eyed peas from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Slow Cooker Virginia Ham and Black-Eyed Pea Stew?
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 Virginia Ham and Black-Eyed Pea Stew 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 Virginia Ham and Black-Eyed Pea Stew?
American Southern slow cooker 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.
