With all the hype recently about air fryers, it's easy to overlook one kitchen gadget that has been around for decades but can still create nutrient dense meals that taste amazing, the humble slow cooker.

Slow cookers are a fantastic kitchen appliance that makes cooking healthy and delicious meals a breeze. And with a little creativity, they can be used to prepare a variety of vegan dishes that are not only satisfying but also nutritious. In this article, we’ll be discussing some of the best vegan slow cooker recipes that are easy to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights.

Vegan Chili:

Chili is a classic slow cooker recipe that is perfect for cold winter nights. It’s easy to make, filling, and can be customized to suit your personal preferences. To make a vegan chili, simply combine a can of diced tomatoes, a can of kidney beans, a can of black beans, a diced onion, diced bell peppers, minced garlic, and spices such as chili powder, cumin, and paprika in your slow cooker. Let it cook on low heat for 6 to 8 hours and serve it with a dollop of vegan sour cream and shredded cheddar cheese.

Vegan Curry:

Curry is another slow cooker recipe that is ideal for busy weeknights. To make a vegan curry, start by sautéing diced onion, garlic, ginger, and spices in a pan. Then, add diced vegetables such as carrots, bell peppers, and potatoes, and continue to sauté until they are slightly softened. Next, add a can of coconut milk and a can of crushed tomatoes, and let the mixture simmer until it thickens. Finally, transfer the mixture to your slow cooker, add some chickpeas or tofu, and let it cook for 6 to 8 hours. Serve over rice and garnish with fresh cilantro.

Vegan Lasagne:

Lasagne is a classic Italian dish that is perfect for a comforting dinner and we are going to be a bit biassed but we think our Vegan Lasagne takes some beating.  If you want to have a go at making your own vegan lasagne, start by layering uncooked lasagna noodles in the bottom of your slow cooker. Next, spread a layer of marinara sauce, followed by a layer of sautéed vegetables such as spinach, mushrooms, and red peppers. Repeat the layers until you’ve used up all the ingredients, and top with a final layer of marinara sauce. Cover and cook on low heat for 6 to 8 hours, and serve with a side salad and crusty bread.

Vegan Stew:

Stew is a hearty and filling dish that is perfect for chilly evenings (and let's be honest, there are plenty of them around at the moment). To make a vegan stew, start by sautéing diced onion, garlic, and carrots in a pan. Next, add diced potatoes, mushrooms, and any other vegetables you like, such as red peppers, sweet potatoes, and butternut squash. Then, add vegetable broth and let the mixture simmer until the vegetables are tender. Finally, transfer the mixture to your slow cooker, add some canned chickpeas or lentils, and let it cook for 6 to 8 hours. Serve with crusty bread or over a bed of rice.

Vegan Sloppy Joes:

Never heard of them?  Neither had I but Sloppy Joes are a classic American dish that are perfect for a quick and easy dinner. To make a vegan version, start by sautéing diced onion, garlic, and red pepper in a pan. Next, add a can of diced tomatoes and a can of black beans, and let the mixture simmer until it thickens. Finally, transfer the mixture to your slow cooker and let it cook for 4 to 6 hours. Serve on a bun with a side of sweet potato fries.

Hopefully these ideas will give you all the inspiration you need to reach into the back of that cupboard and fall back in love with your slow cooker.  Oh and for the nights when you don't have time or can't be bothered, our range of vegan ready meals are on hand to help you out.  Order today using the. code ROOTLOVE25 for 25% Off your next box.