Description
Slow-cooking vegetables in a crockpot is a convenient and foolproof way to enhance their natural flavors while retaining nutrients. This guide will help you choose the right vegetables, seasonings, and cook times for a perfectly tender and flavorful dish every time. Whether you’re making a side dish, soup, or stew, this method is easy and hands-off.
Ingredients
Scale
You can mix and match vegetables based on your preference. Below are some common choices:
Root Vegetables (best for long cooking times)
- 3 cups potatoes, cubed
- 2 cups carrots, sliced
- 2 cups parsnips, diced
- 2 cups sweet potatoes, cubed
Hard Vegetables (good for medium cooking times)
- 2 cups cauliflower florets
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup butternut squash, diced
Soft Vegetables (best added in the last hour)
- 2 cups zucchini, sliced
- 2 cups bell peppers, chopped
- 2 cups spinach or kale
Seasonings & Flavor Enhancers
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried herbs (thyme, rosemary, oregano)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
- 1 cup vegetable broth or water
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables: Wash, peel (if necessary), and cut vegetables into uniform sizes to ensure even cooking.
- Layer the Vegetables: Place root vegetables at the bottom, followed by hard vegetables, and finally soft vegetables on top (if cooking all at once).
- Seasoning & Liquids: Sprinkle salt, pepper, herbs, and garlic/onion powder over the vegetables. Drizzle with olive oil and pour in the broth.
- Cook:
- Low Setting: 6–8 hours (for deeper flavors and softer texture).
- High Setting: 3–4 hours (for quicker cooking).
- If using soft vegetables, add them in the last hour to prevent overcooking.
- Check for Doneness: Use a fork to test if the vegetables are tender. Adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve & Enjoy: Use as a side dish, a base for soups, or blend into a smooth puree.
Notes
- Best vegetables for slow cooking: Potatoes, carrots, onions, and squash hold up well.
- Avoid overcooking: Delicate vegetables like spinach should be added last.
- Enhance flavor: Add a bay leaf, fresh herbs, or a splash of balsamic vinegar before serving.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6–8 hours (low) or 3–4 hours (high)
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American, Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg