The time between Christmas and New Year is a period for rest, reflection and taking things slow; especially when you’re living with chronic illness or burnout. To make life easier, I’m sharing some simple, nutritious slow cooker recipes that require minimal effort but provide maximum comfort and warmth. These recipes are perfect for when your energy is low, allowing you to prepare hearty meals without spending too much time in the kitchen.

Let’s dive into these slow cooker recipes that will keep you warm and energised all winter long.

1. Slow Cooker Hearty Vegetable Soup

This vegetable soup is packed with vitamins and minerals, perfect for keeping your immune system strong. Just throw everything into the slow cooker and let it work its magic.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil (optional)

• 1 large onion, diced

• 2 carrots, peeled and sliced

• 2 celery stalks, chopped

• 3 garlic cloves, minced

• 4 cups vegetable stock

• 2 potatoes, peeled and diced

• 1 can chopped tomatoes

• 1 cup chopped kale or spinach

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Optional: Use a food processor to slice/dice the vegetables, or even better, ask someone else to do this for you!
2. Optional: If you have the energy, sauté the onion, carrots, celery and garlic in olive oil in a pan for extra flavour before adding to the slow cooker. Otherwise, you can skip this step.
3. Add all the ingredients, except the kale or spinach, to the slow cooker.
4. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
5. About 30 minutes before serving add the kale or spinach and stir well. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot and enjoy with a slice of crusty bread.

Tip: This soup freezes well, so make a big batch and freeze individual portions for later.

2. Slow Cooker Chickpea and Spinach Curry

This comforting curry is full of warming spices and protein-rich chickpeas. It’s a simple, hands-off recipe that’s perfect for batch cooking.

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon coconut oil (optional)

• 1 onion, finely chopped

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger

• 1 can chopped tomatoes

• 1 can coconut milk

• 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed

• 2 cups fresh spinach

• 1 tablespoon curry powder

• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Optional: If you have the energy, sauté the onion, garlic and ginger in coconut oil in a pan before adding to the slow cooker. Otherwise, add them directly to the slow cooker.
2. Add all ingredients, except the spinach, to the slow cooker. Stir well to combine.
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
4. About 15 minutes before serving, add the fresh spinach and stir until wilted.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve over rice or with naan bread.

Tip: You can customise this curry by adding other vegetables like diced sweet potato or cauliflower.

3. Slow Cooker Spiced Apple Oats

Start your mornings with a warm, comforting bowl of oats. This slow cooker version is easy to make and will fill your home with the delicious aroma of spiced apples.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup rolled oats

• 2 cups almond milk or your favourite milk

• 2 apples, peeled and diced

• 1 tablespoon maple syrup (or to taste)

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

• A pinch of salt

• Optional toppings: chopped nuts, dried cranberries, or a dollop of yogurt

Instructions:

1. Add all the ingredients to the slow cooker and stir to combine.
2. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or overnight.
3. In the morning, give the oats a good stir. Serve with your favourite toppings, like chopped nuts or dried cranberries.

Tip: To prevent the oatmeal from sticking, you can grease the slow cooker with a bit of coconut oil or use a slow cooker liner.

4. Slow Cooker Ginger and Turmeric Immune-Boosting Tea

This warm, soothing tea is perfect for the winter season. It’s full of anti-inflammatory ingredients to help support your immune system.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups water

• 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, sliced

• 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric (or 1-inch piece of fresh turmeric, sliced)

• 1 tablespoon honey (or to taste)

• Lemon slices for serving

Instructions:

1. Add the water, sliced ginger and turmeric to the slow cooker.
2. Cook on low for 2-4 hours.
3. Strain the tea into mugs and add honey to taste. Serve with a slice of lemon for added flavour.
4. Store any leftover tea in the fridge and reheat as needed.

Tip: This tea can be made in larger batches and stored in the fridge for up to a week, making it easy to have a warm, immune-boosting drink on hand.

Final Thoughts

These slow cooker recipes are designed to make your life a little easier, giving you the comfort and nourishment you need during the winter months. When you’re living with chronic illness or burnout, taking things slow and making simple, wholesome meals can be a form of self-care that supports your well-being.

If you’re looking for more easy recipes and tips for thriving with chronic illness or burnout, sign up for my newsletter to receive weekly updates and practical advice. And for daily inspiration, connect with me on Instagram @theemaspry.

Disclaimer:

The content in this blog is based on my personal experience of living with chronic illness and is shared for informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with your GP or healthcare professional before making any changes to your lifestyle, work routine, or health management. The tips and strategies shared here can be used alongside medical advice to support your well-being.