Crock Pot Split Pea Stew

I don’t know about you, but I love coming home to a warm and hearty stew after a long day. This vegan crock pot split pea stew is the perfect meal for chilly winter days. It’s packed full of flavor and nutrients, and it’s really easy to make. Plus, it reheats well so you can enjoy it multiple times throughout the week. So if you’re looking for a cozy and satisfying dinner option, this vegan crock pot recipe is definitely worth trying!

Crock Pot Split Pea Stew

Crock Pot Split Pea Stew vs Soup

Soup or stew, is there a difference?  Technically, they both usually contain the same ingredients, although when we say soup, we mean a thinner consistency broth. But with a stew, we expect a thicker, chunky consistency. 

Can one recipe be both? Yes, it is possible and quite simple. For a soup, simply add more broth to reach the desired consistency. For a stew, you have choices. We usually opt to reduce the liquid a bit. When the stew is completely cooked, we blend about 1/3 to 1/2 of the contents, then remix it back into the remainder. It’s easy to do and does not change the flavors.

Another option to thicken is to add a starch such as cornstarch (mixed with cold water first) and allow it to cook with the stew to thicken. 

Whichever you choose, adjust to the desired thickness. A thicker stew creates a hearty meal by itself. Alternatively, you might serve it over potato, rice, or noodles. In fact, our leftover stew usually finds it’s way to one of the topping choices. 

But, for another idea, try it in a Pot Pie! (find the recipe here)

Do I have to use a Crock Pot or Slow Cooker for this recipe?

No, like most soups and stews, this recipe comes together on your stove top in the same way as your slow cooker. The difference is the amount of time you need to spend stirring and watching over your food as it cooks. The slow cooker does it all for you!

And with the programmable styles, you might enjoy programming it overnight for your breakfast, then make dinner with another programmed recipe for night time! We find our slow cooker gets quite a workout in the winter. In fact, we have 3 different sizes in our home!

But don’t just use this amazing appliance during the cold months. We find they also help keep our kitchen cooler (and save on air conditioning as a result) during the warmer months, too. 

FAQ’s

• Are Split Peas the same as green peas?

Split peas are a variety of peas known as field peas. When harvested, split peas are hulled, split, and dried.

• Why are they called split peas?

As mentioned above, split peas are split along their natural seam after the hulls are removed. This ensures proper drying.

• Do I need to soak split peas before cooking?

 Beans need to be soaked first, but peas do not.  Peas and lentils cook quickly without soaking. However, you should rinse them thoroughly to remove any dirt and debris before cooking. Also, check for grit particles.

• Can I use split peas instead of lentils?

Yes, split peas and lentils, both legumes with similar cooking times, may be interchanged equally in recipes. Keep in mind that the taste will be slightly different, though.

• Which is healthier, lentils or split peas?

Nutritionally, lentils provide a bit more fiber, protein, and folate. When considering vitamins, split peas come out ahead with vitamins A, C, K, and some of the B vitamins.

• Do split peas cause gas?

Yes, it’s true that split peas may cause gas, especially if you eat a large quantity. Added to stews and soups, however, they easily balance with other foods to avoid over-eating.

• Are split peas hard to digest?

Legumes, including split peas, contain resistant starch. This is the part of starch that the small intestine cannot break down, thus it goes to the colon to be digested by bacteria there by fermentation. Research shows that resistant starch provides many health benefits, including helping to prevent colon cancer.

• Are split peas good for managing inflammation?

Yes, split peas are known to be anti-inflammatory. They help reduce cholesterol, reduce blood pressure, and help prevent diabetes. As studies continue, we expect to see other significant anti-inflammatory benefits to split peas.

• Do split peas promote gut health?

The high fiber content in split peas and other legumes helps improve bowel movements, thus preventing constipation. An additional benefit to the fiber in split peas is that it feeds the beneficial bacteria in the gut, thus helping to prevent the overgrowth of bad bacteria.

• Do split peas affect blood sugar?

Peas rank at a low 22 on the glycemic index, making them a good choice for controlling blood sugar levels. The fiber and protein in peas help to slow digestion which helps keep blood sugar levels from spiking, too.

Try Our Other Recipes, too!