Veggie Blog

A slow cooker is useful for more than meat stews, and Judith Finlayson made that case well in 125 Best Vegetarian Slow Cooker Recipes. Published in 2004, the book focuses on the practical pleasure of putting a meal together ahead of time and returning to a pot of something warm and satisfying. It is particularly appealing to busy households that want more meat-free choices.

What recipes can you expect?

Publisher descriptions list dishes such as three-bean chilli with bulgur, Louisiana ratatouille, cider-baked beans, vegetable dal, meatless moussaka and mushroom-and-artichoke lasagne. The collection aims to offer variety rather than simply converting every stew into a vegetarian version.

It also covers the basics of using a slow cooker. That matters because a little preparation can make a big difference to the flavour and texture of a long-cooked vegetable dish. Sautéing onions or spices, for example, can develop flavour before ingredients go into the pot; a finishing squeeze of lemon or fresh herbs can brighten the result.

Is every recipe vegan?

No. This is a vegetarian cookbook, not a strictly vegan one. Some of the listed recipes contain cheese or other dairy ingredients. Readers who avoid all animal products will need to select and adapt recipes carefully, paying attention to how substitutions affect the final texture.

Who will find the book useful?

Students, professionals, families and anyone who does not want to cook an entire dinner from scratch in the evening can benefit from slow-cooker methods. Beans, grains and vegetables also lend themselves to generous quantities that can be portioned for future meals. The book’s strongest selling point is everyday convenience combined with a broad range of dishes.

What about slow-cooker safety?

The USDA slow-cooker safety guide advises starting with clean equipment, keeping the lid in place and following the cooker’s instructions. Use properly prepared beans, especially when a recipe begins with dried beans, and do not rely on a slow cooker to make inadequately pretreated dried kidney beans safe. Refrigerate leftovers promptly and reheat them thoroughly by a recommended method.

Can you still find it?

The original 2004 book can still be found new or used.

Related on Veggie-Blog: Fresh from the Vegetarian Slow Cooker.

Book: 125 Best Vegetarian Slow Cooker Recipes by Judith Finlayson
View the original book on Amazon (affiliate link; we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you)