Are you tired of bland, boring vegetable dishes that leave you unsatisfied? Get ready to transform your kitchen into a flavor paradise with this mouthwatering Crock Pot Vegetable recipe that will make your taste buds dance! Imagine coming home to a rich, aromatic meal that practically cooks itself, filling your home with irresistible scents and promising a nutritious, hassle-free dinner that will impress even the pickiest eaters.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 6 hrs
Total Time: 6 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 cups mixed vegetables (carrots, potatoes, bell peppers)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Wash and prepare all vegetables by peeling carrots and potatoes, then cutting them into roughly 1-inch cubes. Chop bell peppers and onion into similar-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.
- Mince the garlic cloves finely to release their aromatic flavors and distribute them evenly throughout the dish.
- Lightly grease the interior of the crock pot with cooking spray or a thin layer of olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Layer the chopped vegetables in the crock pot, starting with potatoes at the bottom, then adding carrots, bell peppers, and onions on top.
- Sprinkle minced garlic, dried thyme, salt, and pepper over the vegetables, ensuring even seasoning distribution.
- Pour vegetable broth slowly over the vegetables, making sure it covers approximately half to two-thirds of the vegetables.
- Cover the crock pot with its lid and set to low heat setting for 6 hours. This slow cooking method will help vegetables become tender and develop rich, melded flavors.
- After 6 hours, check vegetable tenderness by piercing with a fork. If needed, cook for an additional 30 minutes.
- Once done, turn off the crock pot and let the vegetables rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to settle.
- Serve hot as a side dish or light main course, optionally garnishing with fresh herbs like parsley or chives.
Tips
- Cut vegetables into uniform sizes to ensure even cooking and consistent texture.
- Layer denser vegetables like potatoes at the bottom of the crock pot for more even heat distribution.
- Don't overfill your crock pot - aim to fill it only about 2/3 to 3/4 full for optimal cooking.
- Resist the urge to lift the lid during cooking, as this releases heat and can significantly extend cooking time.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine or a tablespoon of balsamic vinegar to your vegetable broth.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can create a quick cornstarch slurry in the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Fresh herbs added at the end of cooking can brighten the entire dish and add a fresh dimension to your slow-cooked vegetables.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 73kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 0g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
