Save time and effort in the kitchen with these slow cooker meals that are perfect for winter.
From a classic bolognese to vegetarian soups and stews, there are plenty to choose from.
Meat-based slow-cooker recipes
A good bolognese always takes time, only this version won't have you stirring for hours. The ingredients are layered (with many blitzed in a food processor) then left alone in the slow cooker.
Cook time: 15-20 hours for maximum flavour, plus time to boil spaghetti. Put it on late Sunday night and it will be ready for dinner on Monday.
Set yourself up for the week with this warming Lebanese stew filled with tender meat and butter beans. Any red meat that's suitable for slow cooking can be substituted, such as gravy beef or chuck steak.
Cook time: 4 hours. Pop on some rice beforehand for a hearty weeknight meal.
Lamb shanks are a winter treat and these are braised in a mix of spices, tinned tomatoes and pomegranate molasses for a hint of sweetness.
Cook time: Five hours. Serve with cous cous, rice or mashed potatoes.
Trade your lamb roast for a slow cooker version. Carrot, onion and potato cook alongside the meat, which is flavoured by a simple spice rub and plenty of garlic.
Cook time: Six hours, plus time to cook frozen peas and make a simple gravy if you fancy.
Vegetarian slow cooker recipes
The Lebanese name for this stew is Emnazaleh and it's packed with vegetables, including eggplant, tomato and red capsicums. Chickpeas add bulk to this nutritious family-friendly meal.
Cook time: 3.5 to 4 hours. Serve with crusty bread
This satisfying South Asian-inspired curry features hearty lentils, creamy coconut, and sweet pumpkin chunks. It's served with a quick tadka: made from melted ghee, which is infused with garlic, curry leaves, mustard seeds and finished with fresh tomatoes.
Cook time: 8-12 hours. Serve with warm flatbread.
This corn chowder uses leek, potatoes and coconut cream and gives you the option of using fresh or frozen corn. It's a no-waste recipe as the potato peels are fried at the end to create a crispy topping.
Cook time: 4-6 hours if cooked on high.
