Easy Slow Cooker Kielbasa and Split Pea Stew Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For a more intense flavor, you can briefly sauté the diced onions in a separate pan before adding them to the slow cooker.

While not strictly necessary, this step adds a layer of sweetness and depth that complements the smoky kielbasa perfectly. Ensure the onions are cooled slightly before adding them to the slow cooker to maintain food safety.

If you find that your stew is thicker than you prefer, stir in a splash of warm chicken broth or water just before serving. This allows you to customize the consistency to your exact liking.

Always season to taste with salt and pepper right before serving, as the saltiness of the kielbasa can vary depending on the variety you choose.

Variations

• Vegetable-Rich Version: Increase the amount of carrots and add a cup of diced celery or parsnips for extra texture and natural sweetness. This variation adds more color and complexity to the stew.
• Spicy Kielbasa Stew: Use a spicy variety of kielbasa or add a teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the pot at the beginning. This adds a pleasant heat that balances the earthiness of the peas.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Ensure the stew cools to room temperature within 2 hours before moving it to the refrigerator.

Freezer

Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Leave space at the top as the stew will expand when frozen.

Reheat

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a small amount of broth if the stew is too thick after thawing.

Store any leftover stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. As the stew cools, the starches in the split peas will continue to absorb moisture, which may cause the stew to thicken significantly.

When you are ready to enjoy it again, you may need to add a small amount of liquid to restore your preferred serving consistency.

This stew is an excellent candidate for making ahead, as the flavors tend to meld and improve after a day or two in the refrigerator.

You can assemble the ingredients in the slow cooker insert the night before and keep it in the refrigerator, then simply place the insert into the base and start the cooking process in the morning for a ready-to-eat dinner.

Serving ideas

Serve the stew in warm, shallow bowls to help it retain its heat for longer. A side of crusty, toasted sourdough bread is the perfect accompaniment for dipping into the thick, creamy broth. The contrast between the soft stew and the crunchy bread provides a satisfying texture that rounds out the meal perfectly.

For a fresh finish, consider a light garnish of finely chopped fresh parsley or a dash of cracked black pepper. While the stew is substantial on its own, these small additions can brighten the presentation and add a hint of freshness that cuts through the rich, smoky profile of the kielbasa and split peas.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Easy Slow Cooker Kielbasa and Split Pea Stew

Prep 10 minCook 4 hRest 5 minTotal 4 h 15 minServes 6

Ingredients

• 1 lb kielbasa, sliced into coins
• 1 lb dried green split peas, rinsed and picked over
• 2 cups carrots, diced
• 1 cup yellow onion, diced
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 6 cups chicken broth

Instructions

1. Place the sliced kielbasa coins into the bottom of the slow cooker insert. Add the rinsed split peas, diced carrots, diced onion, and dried thyme over the sausage. Pour the chicken broth over the top of the mixture until everything is submerged.
2. Cover the slow cooker with its lid. Cook on the low setting for approximately 4 to 6 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours. The stew is ready once the peas are tender and have thickened the broth into a creamy consistency.
3. Verify the stew has reached a safe internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) for the sausage. Let the stew rest for 5 minutes before serving in shallow bowls to allow the flavors to settle. Serve hot with a slice of crusty bread if desired.

Contains: gluten

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

420

Protein

22 g

Carbohydrates

48 g

Fat

15 g

Fiber

16 g

Sugar

5 g

Sodium

950 mg

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.