Video:5 Ways Vegetarians Can Use a Slow Cooker
with Jonathon E. StewartSlow cookers can be just as useful to vegetarians as they can be to meat-eaters. They're really versatile and can be used to make countless delicious dishes. Here are a few examples of ways for vegetarians to use a slow cooker.See Transcript
Transcript:5 Ways Vegetarians Can Use a Slow Cooker
Slow cookers are an ingenious invention. Just toss in your ingredients in the morning, then come home at the end of the day to a delicious meal. But, what are your options if you're a vegetarian and aren't planning to stew that half a cow or pork belly all day?
Vegetarian Slow Cooker Tips: Cook Vegetables
Incredibly versatile, slow cookers are great for roasting, baking, or steaming veggies. To use your slow cooker as a steamer, just add a steamer basket and boiling water to your preheated slow cooker. Add veggies, cover, and cook. Voila! No need to put down for extra kitchen appliances on your chef’s wish list.
Vegetarian Slow Cooker Tips: Make Vegetable Stock
This is the place to get your greens on. Vegetable stock or broth is easy to make in a slow cooker. It's a great foundation for nutrient-packed stews, soups, sauces or risotto.
Vegetarian Slow Cooker Tips: Steam Rice
You can also use your slow cooker to steam rice. Much like steaming vegetables, preheat your slow cooker and add a steamer basket. Place a Pyrex or stainless steel bowl in the basket. Add your rice or other grain and boiling water to the bowl. Cover the bowl with a plate or lid, put the cover on the slow cooker, and, in two hours, you’ll have beautifully steamed rice.
Vegetarian Slow Cooker Tips: Make Rice Pudding
Speaking of rice, slow cookers aren't just whipping up gourmet, one pot dinners. Let's talk about the best meal of the day—dessert. Try rice pudding or, for a sweet, but light, dessert, go with kheer, a cardamom-flavored, Indian rice pudding made with long grain brown rice.
Vegetarian Slow Cooker Tips: Slow Cookers Are Portable
Travel can make it tough for vegetarians to get fresh, healthy meals. Consider taking your slow cooker with you. Not only are they convenient if you're in cow country, but most slow cookers can actually be run from power outlets in your car. Please be sure to prepare your ingredients ahead of time to avoid accidents caused by in-vehicle cooking. Slicing, dicing, and driving just don't mix.
There you have it. Slow cookers aren't just for soups and stews. With a little imagination and planning, you can even make a week's worth of vegetarian meals in one shot. That's my type of cooking. I'm Jonathon Stewart, with About.com.