15 Delicious Vegetarian Slow Cooker Recipes | Aglow Lifestyle (2024)

FAQs

Is a slow cooker worth it for vegetarian? ›

Benefits of using a slow cooker for plant-based cooking

Easy: Throw in a sensible bunch of ingredients and, six to eight hours later, you have a delicious soup or stew. It's not fancy cuisine, but the vegetables will retain all their nutrients and the result is practically certain to be comforting. Anyone can do it.

If you take an extra 10 minutes to sauté the aromatics before scraping them into the slow-cooker, the finished dish will have deeper flavor and better texture. (And some new slow-cookers allow you to sauté right in the insert, so you don't have to wash a separate skillet.)

The low heat used in slow cooking destroys fewer nutrients than high-heat cooking. Meat and other ingredients are also cooked more safely since any remaining bacteria are killed off by the steam and tightly sealed pot. Slow cooking is also an excellent way to cook legumes, which are a staple in many healthy diets!

Most slow cooker meals take 8-12 hours on low or 4-6 hours on high, but there are also recipes for slow-cooked meat that take up to 24 hours. If you want to avoid overcooking your dish, follow the given guidelines as closely as possible.

What are the disadvantages of a slow cooker? Slow cookers only apply heat to the bottom of the crock, which cuts down on their ability to reduce liquids and brown foods, and develop flavor the same way a Dutch oven or pressure cooker can.

Low: 7-8 hours to reach the simmer point. High: 3-4 hours to reach the simmer point.

Tender vegetables

Vegetables such as peas, asparagus and peppers can become a flavorless, mushy mess in a slow cooker.

Because of the lower temperature, the nutrients in the food remain more stable than other methods of cooking. By virtue of being in sealed unit, whether using an electric slow cooker or in a casserole dish in your oven, any of the nutrients usually lost in the liquid from heat are simply reabsorbed into the meal.

If you notice any fraying or broken electrical cords, don't use the cooker before repairing it. Frayed wiring can cause a short circuit, and this poses a fire hazard. “If your slow cooker is old enough to have an electric cord surrounded by fabric, it's time to toss it,” said O'Dea.

Take the lid off

Place the cooker on a high setting, and open the lid for 30-45 minutes to let excess moisture cook off. The liquid will reduce, leaving you with a thick and delicious gravy or sauce. (Tip: This trick can also be applied for thickening stews, or when you've accidentally added too much liquid.)

Do vegetables lose nutrients in slow cooker? ›

Vegetables cooked in a slow cooker or crock pot retain more of their natural vitamins and nutrients than harsher cooking methods – such as boiling – because the temperatures are lower.

Pressure cookers are amazingly useful kitchen appliances that can dramatically expand your vegan cooking possibilities. They let you cook any number of meals that would otherwise be prohibitively time-consuming. If you cook beans often, or live in a place with long winters, you should strongly consider purchasing one.

The slow cooker isn't just an appliance for carnivores – it's perfect for plant-based eating, too. Need proof? Take a peek at our current favourite vegan slow cooker recipes – from soups and curries to delicious Mexican pulled veg.

So, in conclusion, slow cookers are great. They're a convenient, cost-effective, and versatile kitchen appliance that can be used to make a wide range of delicious meals with minimal effort. Whether you're cooking for your partner or entertaining guests, a slow cooker is nice to have in any kitchen.