Overnight Oatmeal 64 Here is an easy way to serve a crowd a hearty breakfast before facing the elements for a day of winter sports. You can assemble it in the slow cooker in the evening and wake up to a bowl of hot, nourishing oatmeal. The slow cooker eliminates the need for constant stirring and ensures an exceptionally creamy consistency. It is important to use steel-cut oats; old-fashioned oats become too soft during slow-cooking.
Southwestern Three-Bean & Barley Soup 34 Serve this zesty bean and barley soup garnished with chopped fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime, if desired.
Shiitake & Noodle Hot & Sour Soup 11 This vegetarian hot-&-sour-inspired soup is chock-full of tofu and vegetables, plus noodles to make it hearty enough for dinner.
Eggplant & Chickpea Stew 19 This tasty vegetarian stew, studded with plenty of eggplant and protein-rich chickpeas, is reminiscent of ratatouille. The eggplant breaks down and makes a saucier stew if you peel it before cooking, but you can certainly leave the peel on if you prefer. Serve over quinoa or soft polenta with sautéed spinach on the side.
Slow-Cooker Moroccan Lentil Soup 46 Like most soups, this Moroccan lentil soup recipe gets better with time as the complex seasonings have time to develop. Make it a day ahead if you can--this easy slow cooker/crock pot recipe variation makes it a cinch to get the soup cooking while you do other things.
Squash, Chickpea & Red Lentil Stew 52 Modeled on North African stews, this aromatic vegetarian main course can be served over brown rice or steamed spinach.