Not invested in a slow cooker yet? Now’s the time! With many of us heading back to our ‘normal’ routines, the slow cooker will allow you to continue cooking up a storm in the kitchen. There are so many healthy recipes you can try out and they’re super easy too! Just pop all of the ingredients into the slow cooker, leave to cook and you’re good to go!
Here’s three of our favourite healthy slow cooker recipes – give ‘em a go and be sure to tag us in your food pics!
TURKEY CHILLI
Who doesn’t love a chilli?! This super easy, week-night staple is tasty, nutritious and can be easily switched up if there’s an ingredient you’re not a fan of. For example, if you’re veggie, swap turkey mince for Quorn, or if turkey’s not your thing, try beef mince instead.
For this recipe, you’ll need:
1 tbsp olive oil
1 onion, red or white
1 green pepper
1 green chilli
2 cloves of garlic
1 pack of turkey mince
1 can of chopped tomatoes
2 tsp of tomato paste
1 can of black beans
1 can kidney beans
Chicken/vegetable stock
2 tsp chilli powder
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
1) Start by chopping the onions, garlic, pepper, and the chilli and lightly fry in olive oil in a large wok
2) Next, add in the turkey mince and fly until lightly browned
3) Then, add the browned veg and mince into the slow cooker
4) Add in the rest of the ingredients and cook on low for 6-8 hours
MINESTRONE SOUP WITH SAUSAGE AND PESTO
Another one pot wonder to add to your repertoire! Loaded with veggies and packed with flavour, this slow cooker soup knocks your go-to tin of tomato out the water! Again, this recipe is super versatile – swap out the veggies you’re not a fan of for those you do like and, if you’d rather, you can swap out the Italian sausage for the veggie variety or just miss out altogether!
For this recipe, you’ll need:
400g of Italian sausage (swap to veggie if you prefer)
1 can of cannellini beans
1 can of kidney beans
1 big handful of spinach leaves
170g of dried pasta
350g squash, chopped
350g of courgette, chopped
3 carrots, chopped
3 celery sticks, chopped
1 large onion, chopped
1L Chicken or vegetable stock
1 tin of chopped tomatoes
2 tsp of tomato paste
Dried oregano
Pesto to serve
Grated parmesan cheese to serve
1) First, fry off the Italian sausage in a large frying pan, along with the chopped onion
2) Then, add this to the slow cooker and add in the other ingredients
3) Pour the stock over the ingredients – ensure all ingredients are completely covered
4) Cook for 5-6 hours, then add grated parmesan and a dollop of pesto to serve
PORK, BEAN AND LENTIL CASSEROLE
There’s nothing better than a warming casserole after a busy day at the office. Packed with protein and veggies, this meal is also ideal for refuelling after an evening gym session.
For this recipe, you’ll need:
A good piece of lean pork, cut into small pieces
Chicken/vegetable stock
8 cloves of garlic, crushed
1 white onion
3 tbsp of tomato paste
1 tin of chopped tomatoes
100g dried brown lentils
1 can of white beans, rinsed
4 springs of fresh thyme
Salt and pepper to taste
1) First, add the stock, crushed garlic, chopped onion and tomato paste to the slow cooker and mix together
2) Then, add in the chopped tomatoes and the chopped pieces of pork – ensure the liquid covers the meat so it cooks thoroughly. Add in the thyme and season with salt and pepper
3) Cook for 4-5 hours then, half an hour before serving, add in the lentils and the white beans and cook for a further 30 minutes
Which one of these one pot wonders are you gonna try first? If you're after more healthy dishes to try out, give these 3 easy, healthy meal ideas a go!
Image credit: Navada Ra/ Votsis Panagiotis