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As autumn leaves begin to fall, there’s nothing more comforting than savory stews simmering in your slow cooker. These simple, hands-off recipes transform seasonal ingredients into favorite family tasty meals. Fall cooking doesn’t need to be complicated – with these five slow cooker recipes.
What Is Seasonal Eating?
Seasonal eating means choosing foods that are naturally grown and harvested in your local area. During fall, this includes a rich variety of root vegetables, squashes, and hearty greens perfect for creating satisfying stews. Some of fall’s seasonal produce are cranberries, apples, beets, carrots, corn, eggplant, potatoes, and garlic. This traditional approach to eating what is seasonally available, aligns our diets with exactly what our bodies need.
Why Choose Seasonal Foods?
When you eat seasonally, you’re making a smart choice that benefits your health, budget, and the environment:
1. Maximum Nutrition: Fresh, seasonal produce offers peak nutritional value since it’s harvested at the perfect time.
2. Enhanced Flavor: Seasonal ingredients naturally provide better taste than those grown out of season or shipped long distances.
3. Budget-Friendly: In-season produce is more abundant and typically more affordable.
4. Environmental Benefits: Seasonal foods usually travel shorter distances, reducing their carbon footprint.
5 Savory Slow Cooker Stews for Fall
1. Harvest Butternut Squash and Apple Stew
A sweet and savory combination that celebrates fall’s finest flavors
Ingredients:
- 4 cups butternut squash, cubed
- 2 honey crisp apples, chopped
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 can coconut milk
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Combine all ingredients in slow cooker
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours
- Blend partially for a chunky texture
Nutritional Facts (per serving)
- Calories: 285
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 7g
- Fat: 14g
- Vitamin A: 280% DV
- Vitamin C: 45% DV
2. Rustic Root Vegetable and Lentil Stew
A protein-packed savory vegetarian option full of seasonal vegetables
Ingredients:
- 2 cups green lentils
- 3 parsnips, chopped
- 4 carrots, chopped
- 2 sweet potatoes, cubed
- 1 onion, diced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp herbs de Provence
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Rinse lentils and add to slow cooker with all ingredients
- Cook on low for 8 hours
- Stir before serving
Nutritional Facts (per serving)
- Calories: 310
- Protein: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 56g
- Fiber: 12g
- Fat: 2g
- Iron: 35% DV
- Potassium: 25% DV
3. Autumn Wild Mushroom and Barley Stew
A hearty, earthy stew slow cooked to perfection for cool evenings
Ingredients:
- 1 cup pearl barley
- 4 cups mixed mushrooms (shiitake, cremini, porcini)
- 2 leeks, sliced
- 3 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 cups beef or vegetable broth
- 1 cup red wine
- 2 tbsp fresh thyme
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Combine ingredients in slow cooker
- Cook on low for 7-8 hours
- Remove bay leaves before serving
Nutritional Facts (per serving)
- Calories: 245
- Protein: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 8g
- Fat: 4g
- B-vitamins: 25% DV
- Zinc: 15% DV
4. Spiced Pumpkin and Turkey Stew
A protein-rich simple stew featuring fall’s favorite squash
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 3 cups pumpkin, cubed
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 bell peppers, chopped
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 2 tbsp pumpkin pie spice
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Brown turkey in pan
- Transfer to slow cooker with remaining ingredients
- Cook on low for 6-7 hours
Nutritional Facts (per serving)
- Calories: 295
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 6g
- Fat: 12g
- Vitamin A: 200% DV
- Iron: 20% DV
5. Brussels Sprouts and Sweet Potato Comfort Stew
A nutrient-dense savory stew that’s both healthy and satisfying
Ingredients:
- 4 cups Brussels sprouts, halved
- 2 sweet potatoes, cubed
- 2 cups white beans
- 1 onion, diced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 can coconut milk
- 2 tbsp curry powder
- 1 tbsp ginger, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Combine all ingredients in slow cooker
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours
- Stir gently before serving
Nutritional Facts (per serving)
- Calories: 275
- Protein: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 10g
- Fat: 8g
- Vitamin K: 160% DV
- Vitamin C: 120% DV
Tips for Seasonal Cooking Success
1. Keep It Simple: The beauty of slow cooker stews lies in their simplicity. Let seasonal ingredients shine without overcomplicated techniques.
2. Visit Farmers’ Markets: These local markets are your best source for finding fresh, seasonal ingredients that will make your savory stews truly special.
3. Prep Ahead: Make your simple slow cooker meals even easier by preparing vegetables in advance.
4. Trust the Process: Slow cooking naturally develops deep, savory flavors without constant attention.
5. Start with Family Favorites: Begin with familiar ingredients and gradually introduce new seasonal vegetables into your favorite recipes.
Making the Most of Your Seasonal Stews
Seasonal eating doesn’t require complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients. These five simple slow cooker favorites prove that creating savory fall stews can be both easy and tasty. Using seasonal ingredients and letting your slow cooker do the work, you’ll create deeply satisfying meals in your home. Here are a few more ways in making the most of seasonal cooking:
– Batch Cooking: These savory slow cooker recipes are perfect for making extra portions to freeze.
– Simple Additions: Fresh herbs added just before serving can elevate any stew from good to great.
– Seasonal Sides: Pair your favorite stews with crusty whole grain bread or a crisp fall salad.
– Storage Solutions: Most of these simple stews will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Closing Thoughts
As autumn progresses, your slow cooker becomes more than just a kitchen appliance – it’s your gateway to seasonal wellness. These five savory stews we’ve shared aren’t just recipes: they’re your invitation to a more natural, seasonal way of eating.
Remember, seasonal cooking is a journey, not a destination. Start with the recipe that appeals to you most. As you become more confident, experiment with seasonal ingredients and make these recipes your own. Your slow cooker will be there, faithfully transforming simple ingredients into favorite and satisfying family meals.