When you think of cooking in a slow cooker, he automatically thinks of making meats juicy and tender. But slow cookers aren't just good for meats, they're great for all types of ingredients, including fresh fruits and vegetables. So, if you've recently started healthy eating, you can count on your trusty slow cooker to whip up delicious meals!
Here are 3 must-try vegetable recipes for the slow cooker:
Best Ever Crock Pot Mashed Potatoes
What do you need:
- 2 1/4 kilograms of red potatoes, cut into pieces
- 3 chicken stock cubes
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- Salt and pepper to taste
Fill a large pot with lightly salted water and boil the potatoes with the chicken broth and garlic until the potatoes are tender but still firm. Drain the potatoes in a bowl, reserving the water. Mash the potatoes with sour cream and cream cheese, spooning in the reserved water to achieve the desired consistency. Transfer the mashed potatoes to a slow cooker, cover and cook 2 to 3 hours over low heat. Stir in the butter, salt and pepper before serving.
Crock Pot All Vegetarian Chili
What do you need:
- 2 zucchini, thinly sliced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 stalks of celery, sliced
- 1 green pepper, chopped
- 1 red pepper, chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can of whole peeled tomatoes with juice
- 1 can chickpeas, drained
- 1 small can chopped green peppers
- 1/3 cup chili powder
- 1 tablespoon of dried oregano
- 2 teaspoons of ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon of salt
Combine zucchini, carrots, celery, green pepper, red pepper, onion, garlic, tomatoes, chickpeas and green peppers in a slow cooker. Stir to combine the ingredients well. Season with the chili powder, oregano, cumin and salt. Cover and cook 6 to 8 hours over low heat or 3 to 4 hours over high heat.
Creamy Slow Cooked Potato Soup
What do you need:
- 10 red potatoes, cubed
- 1 red onion, chopped
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 3 cups of water
- 1 half and half cup
- 3/4 cup real bacon pieces
- 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped green onion
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons of chicken broth granules
- 1 tbsp ranch dressing
- 2 teaspoons of dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon of seasoned salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
In a large bowl, toss the potatoes in the all-purpose flour to coat them. Place coated potatoes, onion, garlic, chicken broth granules, ranch dressing mix, parsley, seasoned salt and black pepper in slow cooker. Stir to combine the ingredients well. Add the water to the mixture. Cover and cook for 7 to 9 hours over low heat. When you are ready, add half and half of the soup, stir and cook for another 15 minutes. Sprinkle with cheddar cheese and garnish with green onion for serving.
Enjoy healthier meals - try these best vegetable recipes for the slow cooker!