Make it easy!
A little bit of simplicity to make our days easier is something we can all do with from time to time. If you are yet to buy a slow cooker – or dig it out from the back of the cupboard, you really should think about it! A slow cooker is just as it says – it cooks slowly! You can literally throw everything in, turn it on, leave it for several hours and then enjoy a delicious meal with minimum effort!
The Slow Cooker Recipes
You can put whatever you like in the slow cooker if you follow a few guidelines. I would suggest first trying something very simple, like this bean chilli.
What do I put in the slow cooker?
The simplest recipes are ones using ready to eat ingredients. This bean chilli uses 2 tins of beans (drained), a tin of sweetcorn (drained), a tin of chopped tomatoes, approximately 400ml of water (using the empty tomato can), 2 handfuls of frozen peppers, 1 teaspoon of Cajun spice, 1 teaspoon of garlic granules, 1 teaspoon of paprika, 1 teaspoon of chilli powder, salt and pepper. All you do, is add them to the slow cooker, stir, put the lid on, set the heat to high and leave it.
Other ideas
Tinned beans, chickpeas, lentils, tomatoes and even tinned soup are great starters for your slow cooker. You can then add tinned, frozen or pre cooked (roasted are great) vegetables. Throw in some vegetable mince or soya mince (or real meat if that’s your thing), or dried lentils. You can add as many spices and herbs as you like (or stock cubes), and you can even throw in a handful or two of rice, pasta or quinoa. Remember to add enough liquid (water or stock) for whatever you are cooking and allow 6-8 hours for the cooking. Check out this lentil chilli recipe or try a tagine inspired dish. I’m currently cooking a pumpkin based kidney bean chilli using a selection of roasted mashed pumpkin and squash. Yumyum!
What do I need?
Ideally you need a slow cooker! However, if you are yet to buy one, you can use a heavy lidded ovenproof dish and set the oven on very low instead. If you’re after getting one, here are a few suggestions. I receive a small commission if you click and purchase through these links (at no additional cost to you, but it helps with my website fees).
Serving
You can serve your dishes just as they are, with a side of your favourite grain, with a chunk of bread or on top of a jacket potato.Storage
Once cooled, store covered in the fridge for up to 3 days. Leftovers can also be frozen for up to three months. If freezing, portion into containers, and label with the date and contents before freezing.Sharing
I hope this has given you some slow cooker ideas and has encouraged you to have a go! I love seeing your adaptions and interpretations of my recipes and I’d love to see your slow cooker photos. What will you make? Please share and tag me @LifeDietHealth or using #LifeDietHealth on Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook or Twitter.
Leave me a comment below… I love to chat!
I hope to speak with you soon
Laurena x