4 Nutritious Vegetarian Slow Cooker Recipes You Must Try

A slow cooker is an excellent kitchen tool for busy individuals who want a healthy and satisfying meal but don’t have the time to stand over the stove. One great way to utilize your slow cooker is by making delicious and nutritious vegetarian dishes.

Whether you’re a dedicated vegetarian or just looking to add more plant-based meals to your weekly menu, slow-cooker vegetarian recipes are an excellent choice.

With the slow cooker, you can easily prepare a variety of dishes with minimal effort. You can also save time and energy by cooking meals in bulk and having leftovers for the week.

Here are top 4  delicious vegetarian slow cooker recipes:

Lentil and Vegetable Stew

Lentil and Vegetable Stew is a hearty and nutritious slow cooker dish, perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.

Packed with green lentils, vegetables, and flavorful herbs, this dish is both filling and flavorful, making it a favorite among vegetarians and meat-eaters alike.

With just a few simple ingredients, you can have a delicious meal ready with minimal effort.

Ingredients

• 1 cup dried green lentils
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried rosemary
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Rinse and sort lentils.
2. Add all ingredients to the slow cooker.
3. Stir to combine.
4. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4 hours.

Calories: 260 per serving. Serves 4.

Vegetable and Rice Casserole

Vegetable and Rice Casserole is a wholesome and flavorful slow cooker recipe, perfect for feeding a crowd. This one-pot dish combines brown rice, vegetables, and spices to create a satisfying and easy meal.

With the slow cooker, the rice and vegetables cook to perfection, making this casserole a convenient option for busy weeknights.

With just a few simple ingredients, you can have a delicious and nutritious meal that the whole family will enjoy.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup long-grain brown rice
• 1 cup chopped carrots
• 1 cup chopped celery
• 1 cup chopped onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Rinse rice.
2. Add all ingredients to the slow cooker.
3. Stir to combine.
4. Cover and cook on low for 7 hours or on high for 4 hours.

Calories: 250 per serving. Serves 4.

Chickpea and Tomato Curry

Chickpea and Tomato Curry is a simple and delicious slow cooker dish that is perfect for vegetarians and meat-lovers alike. This spicy and flavorful curry combines chickpeas, tomatoes, and aromatic spices to create a hearty and nutritious meal.

With just a few ingredients and a slow cooker, you can have a delicious dinner ready with minimal effort. Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends, Chickpea and Tomato Curry is a great addition to your meal rotation.

Ingredients:

• 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 cups diced tomatoes
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp ground turmeric
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Add all ingredients to the slow cooker.
2. Stir to combine.
3. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4 hours.

Eggplant Parmesan

Eggplant Parmesan is a classic Italian dish made easy with a slow cooker. This vegetarian dish features sliced eggplant layered with marinara sauce, mozzarella, and parmesan cheese, resulting in a flavorful and satisfying meal.

The slow cooker does all the work, making this recipe perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. With just a few simple ingredients, you can have a delicious dinner ready in no time.

Ingredients

• 2 medium eggplants, sliced
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Spread a layer of marinara sauce in the bottom of the slow cooker.
2. Add a layer of eggplant slices.
3. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
4. Repeat the layering process until all ingredients have been used.
5. Cover and cook on low for 4 hours.
6. Sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
7. Cook for an additional 30 minutes or until cheese is melted.

Calories: 300 per serving. Serves 4.

FAQ’S

Is slow cooker worth it for vegetarians?

A slow cooker can definitely be worth it for vegetarians. Slow cooking allows for the flavors of ingredients to develop and meld together, creating rich and delicious meals.

This method is especially convenient for vegetarians, who often rely on hearty grains, legumes, and vegetables, as the slow and gentle cooking process ensures that these ingredients cook evenly and retain their nutrients.

Slow cookers are also great for hands-off cooking, making them a convenient option for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. In conclusion, a slow cooker can be a valuable kitchen tool for vegetarians, providing them with easy and nutritious meals.

What foods should not go in a slow cooker?

There are several foods that should be avoided or added towards the end of cooking in a slow cooker.

These include: delicate vegetables such as zucchini, spinach, and broccoli as they can become mushy; dairy products like milk and sour cream, which can curdle; raw potatoes and root vegetables that take a long time to cook and can become mushy;

foods with high moisture content like tomatoes or cucumbers that can make the dish too soupy; foods that are traditionally sautéed or fried like garlic or onions that can become tough; and tender foods like seafood that can become rubbery when slow cooked for too long.

It’s important to keep these factors in mind when planning slow cooker meals.

Is it OK to put milk in slow cooker?

It is not recommended to add milk directly to a slow cooker as it can curdle when slow cooked for extended periods. Dairy products like milk, cream, and sour cream are best added towards the end of the cooking time or just before serving.

If a recipe calls for milk, it can be added towards the end of cooking or heated on the stove separately and then added to the slow cooker to prevent curdling.

Alternatively, non-dairy milks like almond or soy milk can be used in slow cooker recipes as they are less likely to curdle.

Is it better to cook meat on high or low in a slow cooker?

It is generally better to cook meat on low in a slow cooker as slow, gentle heat allows the flavors to develop and the meat to cook evenly. Cooking meat on high in a slow cooker can result in tough, dry meat as the high heat can cause the proteins to break down too quickly.

Slow cooking on low also allows for the flavors of the spices and other ingredients to meld together, resulting in a more flavorful and tender dish. For best results, it’s recommended to cook meat in a slow cooker on low for 8 to 10 hours or on high for 4 to 6 hours.