When it comes to delicious, hearty meals that require minimal effort, slow cooker recipes are a game changer. Jamie Oliver, known for his accessible and wholesome cooking style, has some fantastic vegetarian slow cooker recipes that are perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.
These recipes not only celebrate the vibrant flavors of fresh vegetables and legumes but also bring out the depth and richness that slow cooking imparts. Whether you’re a seasoned vegetarian or just looking to eat more plant-based meals, Jamie’s recipes offer a wonderful way to enjoy comforting dishes without spending hours in the kitchen.
In this post, we’ll explore some of Jamie Oliver’s best slow cooker vegetarian recipes, diving into the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and tips to make these meals your new favorites. Plus, we’ll share nutritional insights and serving suggestions to round out your dining experience.
Get ready to fall in love with slow cooker vegetarian meals that are easy, nutritious, and bursting with flavor!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These slow cooker vegetarian recipes from Jamie Oliver stand out because they combine simplicity, nutrition, and incredible taste. Slow cooking allows the fresh vegetables and spices to meld beautifully, creating rich, satisfying meals that feel indulgent but are entirely healthy.
Perfect for anyone juggling a busy schedule, these recipes let you prepare your ingredients in the morning and come home to a ready-made, wholesome dinner.
Additionally, these dishes are highly customizable, so you can swap ingredients based on what’s in season or what you have in your pantry. Whether you prefer a spicy stew, a creamy curry, or a hearty chili, Jamie’s recipes cater to a variety of tastes and dietary preferences.
They’re also great for meal prepping and leftovers, making them ideal for those who want nutritious meals without the hassle every day.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 medium sweet potato, peeled and cubed
- 1 can (400g) chopped tomatoes
- 1 can (400g) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup dried red lentils
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh coriander or parsley for garnish
- Optional: 1 can coconut milk for creaminess
Equipment
- Slow cooker (Crock-Pot or similar)
- Cutting board and sharp knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula for stirring
- Can opener
- Serving bowls and utensils
Instructions
- Prepare the vegetables: Dice the onion, mince the garlic, chop the carrots, celery, and red bell pepper, and cube the sweet potato.
- Heat olive oil: In a skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the onion and garlic, sautéing until translucent and fragrant, about 4-5 minutes.
- Transfer to slow cooker: Add the sautéed onion and garlic to the slow cooker along with the carrots, celery, red bell pepper, sweet potato, chopped tomatoes, chickpeas, and red lentils.
- Add spices and broth: Stir in the cumin, smoked paprika, ground coriander, salt, and pepper. Pour in the vegetable broth and mix well to combine everything.
- Cook low and slow: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the lentils are tender and the vegetables are cooked through.
- Add creaminess (optional): About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the coconut milk if using. This will add a lovely creamy texture and mellow the spices.
- Final seasoning: Taste and adjust seasoning by adding more salt, pepper, or spices as desired.
- Serve: Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh coriander or parsley for a fresh burst of flavor.
Tips & Variations
“Slow cookers are incredibly versatile — feel free to experiment with whatever vegetables or legumes you have on hand!”
- Try swapping chickpeas for white beans or kidney beans for different textures and flavors.
- Add chopped kale or spinach in the last 30 minutes of cooking for a nutritious green boost.
- If you like heat, add a diced chili or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the spice mix.
- For a Mediterranean twist, include olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or artichoke hearts.
- Serve over brown rice, quinoa, or with warm crusty bread to make it a complete meal.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
---|---|
Calories | 320 kcal |
Protein | 14 g |
Carbohydrates | 45 g |
Dietary Fiber | 12 g |
Fat | 7 g |
Saturated Fat | 2 g |
Sodium | 450 mg |
Serving Suggestions
This slow cooker vegetarian stew is versatile and pairs well with a variety of sides. For a wholesome dinner, serve over cooked grains like quinoa, brown rice, or couscous.
If you want something lighter, enjoy it with a side of steamed greens or a fresh garden salad.
For an extra cozy touch, spoon some of the stew over warm toasted bread or serve alongside garlic naan. To add more texture, sprinkle some toasted nuts or seeds on top right before serving.
Don’t forget a dollop of dairy-free yogurt or a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the flavors!
Slow Cooker Vegetarian Recipes by Jamie Oliver
Inspired to try more slow cooker vegetarian dishes? Here are some of Jamie Oliver’s recipes that you’ll adore:
- Hearty Lentil and Vegetable Stew – A robust mix of lentils, root vegetables, and warming spices slow-cooked to perfection. Perfect for chilly evenings.
- Slow Cooker Chickpea Curry – Creamy coconut milk and fragrant spices create a rich plant-based curry that’s easy to prepare and satisfying.
- Vegetable Chili – A spicy, smoky chili packed with beans, corn, and peppers, ideal for game day or meal prepping.
For the full recipes and step-by-step guides, check out Slow Cooker Vegetarian Recipes Easy and Delicious Ideas for more inspiration.
Conclusion
Slow cooker vegetarian recipes from Jamie Oliver are a fantastic way to enjoy wholesome, nutrient-rich meals with minimal fuss. These dishes are not only packed with flavor but also offer the convenience needed for busy lifestyles.
By slow cooking fresh vegetables, legumes, and spices, you create meals that are comforting and satisfying while being entirely plant-based.
Whether you’re new to vegetarian cooking or a dedicated plant-based foodie, these recipes are versatile and easy to customize. Don’t hesitate to explore other slow cooker vegetarian ideas like the ones found in Healthy Vegetarian Slow Cooker Recipes for Easy Meals or try pairing them with sides from Vegetable Alfredo Recipes for Creamy, Healthy Dinners.
Embrace the ease and flavor of slow cooking, and enjoy delicious vegetarian meals every day!
đź“– Recipe Card: Slow Cooker Vegetarian Chili by Jamie Oliver
Description: A hearty and flavorful vegetarian chili made easy in the slow cooker. Packed with beans, vegetables, and spices for a comforting meal.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT6H
Total Time: PT6H15M
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 1 courgette (zucchini), diced
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 400g canned chopped tomatoes
- 400g canned kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 400g canned black beans, drained and rinsed
- 250ml vegetable stock
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a pan and sauté onion and garlic until soft.
- Add bell pepper, carrots, and courgette and cook for 5 minutes.
- Stir in cumin, smoked paprika, and chili powder, cooking for 1 minute.
- Transfer mixture to slow cooker and add chopped tomatoes, beans, and vegetable stock.
- Season with salt and pepper and stir well.
- Cook on low for 6 hours or until vegetables are tender.
- Serve hot with rice or crusty bread.
Nutrition: Calories: 320 kcal | Protein: 15 g | Fat: 7 g | Carbs: 50 g
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