If you’re on the lookout for a comforting, vibrant side dish that brings a touch of sweetness and a burst of fresh flavor to your table, this Slow Cooker Peas and Carrots Recipe has got you covered. It’s the perfect blend of tender carrots, buttery honey-infused goodness, and bright green peas that cook slowly to develop deep, rich flavors. Whether you’re preparing a family dinner or hosting friends, this dish is effortless to make and sure to be a colorful crowd-pleaser that complements almost any main course.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple yet essential ingredients is the first step to creating this delightful slow cooker classic. Each item adds its own character—carrots bring earthiness and color, honey lends a natural sweetness, and marjoram spices things up with subtle herbal notes.
- Carrots (2 pounds, peeled and chopped): Fresh carrots provide sweetness and a tender bite after slow cooking.
- Shallot (1, chopped): Adds a mild, slightly sweet onion flavor enhancing the savory base.
- Butter (½ cup): A rich, creamy element that melts into the vegetables for a luscious texture.
- Honey (½ cup): Naturally sweetens the dish, balancing the savory and earthy tastes.
- Garlic cloves (4, minced): Infuses the mix with a warming aroma and subtle spice.
- Salt (1 tsp): Elevates all the flavors in harmony without overpowering.
- Dried marjoram (1 tsp): Provides a gentle herbaceous lift that’s both floral and slightly minty.
- Pepper (¼ tsp): Adds just a hint of warmth to round out the seasoning.
- Frozen green peas (1 16-oz bag): The final fresh burst of color and sweetness, added near the end to keep their texture.
How to Make Slow Cooker Peas and Carrots Recipe
Step 1: Combine the Base Ingredients
Start by placing the peeled and chopped carrots, chopped shallot, butter, honey, minced garlic, salt, dried marjoram, and pepper into your slow cooker. This combination of ingredients creates a flavorful base without the need for constant attention.
Step 2: Slow Cook on Low
Cover the slow cooker and let the mixture cook on LOW for 5 hours. This gentle, low heat allows the carrots to soften up completely while the butter and honey meld beautifully with the garlic and herbs, giving the dish a tender, melt-in-your-mouth quality.
Step 3: Add the Peas
After the initial cooking time, stir in the frozen peas. Return the lid and cook on HIGH for an additional 15 to 25 minutes. This step ensures the peas remain vibrant and slightly firm, offering a fresh pop against the softness of the carrots.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Peas and Carrots Recipe
Garnishes
To enhance your Slow Cooker Peas and Carrots Recipe, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or a few thinly sliced green onions over the top. A delicate dusting of freshly cracked black pepper or a light drizzle of extra honey can also brighten each serving.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with almost any roasted or grilled meat like chicken, pork, or beef. It also complements hearty grain dishes such as quinoa or rice, adding a sweet and savory balance to more robust flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For an elegant twist, try serving the peas and carrots inside hollowed-out mini pumpkins or in small ramekins topped with a sprinkle of toasted almonds. You can also use this recipe as a filling for savory crepes or as a bed under baked fish to add a colorful foundation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors tend to deepen overnight, making for an even tastier next-day side dish.
Freezing
If you want to keep the Slow Cooker Peas and Carrots Recipe for longer, freezing is a great option. Place cooled leftovers in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-top bags and freeze for up to 2 months. Just be mindful that frozen peas may soften a bit upon thawing.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to warm evenly. Adding a small splash of water or broth during reheating can help restore moisture and keep the vegetables from drying out.
FAQs
Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen?
Absolutely! If fresh peas are in season, they’re a fantastic substitute. Just add them towards the end of cooking and adjust the timing to ensure they stay tender-crisp rather than overcooked.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?
Yes! Simply replace the butter with a plant-based margarine or olive oil to keep it vegan-friendly while maintaining that comforting richness.
Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?
Yes, the Slow Cooker Peas and Carrots Recipe scales up nicely. Just ensure your slow cooker is large enough to accommodate the extra volume, and you may need to increase the cooking time slightly to ensure everything softens properly.
What if I don’t have marjoram? Any substitutes?
Oregano or thyme make excellent stand-ins. They each bring a slightly different flavor profile but will keep that lovely herbaceous note in the dish.
How do I know when the carrots are done?
The carrots should be fork-tender after slow cooking, meaning you can easily pierce them without resistance but they’re not mushy. This soft texture blends perfectly with the peas and buttery sauce.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Peas and Carrots Recipe is one of those cozy, go-to dishes that steals the show with its simplicity and superb flavor harmony. It’s a great way to enjoy fresh vegetables any time of year, especially when you want something easy to prepare and utterly satisfying. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll find yourself making it again and again.
Print
Slow Cooker Peas and Carrots Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 hours 25 minutes
- Total Time: 5 hours 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A simple and comforting slow cooker recipe featuring sweet carrots and tender peas tossed in a buttery, honey-garlic sauce infused with shallots and aromatic herbs. Perfect as a nutritious side dish for any hearty meal.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 2 lbs carrots, peeled and chopped
- 1 shallot, chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 (16-oz) bag frozen green peas
Seasonings & Flavorings
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp dried marjoram
- ¼ tsp pepper
Others
- ½ cup butter
- ½ cup honey
Instructions
- Prepare the base: Combine peeled and chopped carrots, chopped shallot, butter, honey, minced garlic, salt, dried marjoram, and pepper in a 6-quart slow cooker. Stir to mix well.
- Slow cook carrots mixture: Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 5 hours, allowing the carrots to soften and flavors to meld.
- Add frozen peas: Stir in the frozen green peas into the slow cooked carrot mixture.
- Cook peas: Cover and cook on HIGH for an additional 15 to 25 minutes until the peas are heated through but still tender.
- Serve: Give the peas and carrots a final stir and serve warm as a flavorful and wholesome side dish.
Notes
- Ensure the slow cooker is at least 6-quart capacity to accommodate all ingredients comfortably.
- You can adjust the honey amount to taste for desired sweetness.
- Dried marjoram can be substituted with thyme or oregano if unavailable.
- For a vegan version, replace butter with a plant-based margarine and honey with maple syrup.
- Peas should be added only in the last stage to avoid overcooking and maintain their texture and color.
