Save yourself time in the kitchen and let your slow cooker do the work for you with these cozy anti-inflammatory dinner recipes. With leafy greens, fish and spices, these meals star ingredients that can help reduce inflammation and fight off its negative symptoms, including digestive distress, joint stiffness and mental fog. Recipes like our Slow-Cooker Mediterranean Diet Stew and our Slow-Cooker Kale & White Bean Stew are healthy and comforting meals that practically make themselves.
Slow-Cooker Mediterranean Diet Stew
Photographer: Brie Goldman, Food Stylist: Annie Probst, Prop Stylist: Breanna Ghazali
With a focus on vegetables, fiber-rich legumes and healthy fats, this slow-cooker stew fits the bill for those following the Mediterranean diet. Swap out the chickpeas for white beans for a different twist, or try collards or spinach in place of the kale.
Slow-Cooker Lentil, Carrot & Potato Soup
Puréeing some of the lentil-vegetable mixture and then combining it with the remaining ingredients gives the soup a texture that satisfies those who love a creamy soup and those who prefer it chunky. Serve this slow-cooker lentil soup with crackers.
Slow-Cooker Kale & White Bean Stew
Ali Redmond
Warm up to a hearty bowl of soup made with winter vegetables and protein-rich white beans. Comforting spices like oregano and thyme build flavor, while Parmesan provides an irresistibly savory finish.
Slow-Cooker Sweet Potato & Black Bean Chili
Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall , Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless
This hearty sweet potato and black bean chili has a delightful balance of sweet and spicy flavors. Swap out regular chili powder for chipotle and ancho chile powder, or try using reduced-sodium taco or fajita seasoning for a unique twist.
Slow-Cooker Bean, Kale & Barley Soup
PHOTOGRAPHER: JEN CAUSEY; FOOD STYLIST: AIL RAMEE; PROP STYLIST: CLAIRE SPOLLEN
Beans and kale are packed into each bite of this hearty slow-cooker soup. Barley adds a chewiness to provide texture, while dried mushrooms lend an earthiness and depth. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens the flavors.
