Whether you’re leaning in to the charm of snowfall and frosted windshields or struggling as the cold weather lingers, and with your motivation dwindling and vitamin D levels at an all-time low, this is the perfect moment to embrace coziness. And for us that means bowl food.
Pull out your favorite sweaters, dust off your slow cooker and let it do the work while you sit back and relax.
Slow cookers are a working person’s best friend for fast, easy and delish weeknight dinners, as you can set it and forget it (well, at least in theory). They are also ideal for Shabbat! Throw everything in Friday morning, and by the evening, dinner is all ready. Or, prep your ingredients Friday afternoon, and you’ll have a comforting Shabbat lunch all set and ready.
In fact, did you know that the invention of the crockpot was inspired by the Shabbat slow-cooked stew, cholent. That’s right — cholent inspired the crockpot! Traditionally prepared on Friday afternoon and then left to simmer overnight on a hotplate or slow-cooker, cholent is a supper and lunch staple for Jews around the world.
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Don’t let your slow cooker stop at cholent — there’s a world of Jewish comfort food waiting to be explored. From hearty stews to tender meats and flavorful sides, this versatile kitchen tool can bring a variety of classic dishes to life. Here are 15 delectable Jewish recipes that are perfect for your slow cooker, offering all the warmth and tradition you crave with the ease you’ll love.
Vegan Cholent
A plant-based take on a traditional Shabbat stew that’s just as rib-sticking as the original. Add all the ingredients to your slow cooker and let it cook overnight.
Moroccan Harira Soup
This hearty North African soup made with tomatoes and legumes is nourishing and vibrant. See Step 5 for slow cooker instructions.
One Pot Chicken with Potatoes and Dried Fruit
This chicken and potato braise, infused with prunes for a subtle sweetness, showcases the rich fusion of Central Asian, Persian and Soviet culinary traditions. See Step 7 for slow cooker instructions.
Stuffed Cabbage
Cook in the oven or in the slow cooker for 4 hours for tangy, comforting perfection.
Classic Brisket
Prep in advance, freeze, then reheat in a crockpot for 2-6 hours (longer if frozen) for a perfect dinner.
Slow Cooker Pot Roast
Prep the night before, set your slow cooker in the morning and if you’re lucky, you’ll have leftovers for tacos.
Crockpot Carne con Papas
Imagine taking the best parts of your favorite brisket recipe and pairing them with meltingly soft potatoes.
Spicy Mexican-Inspired Cholent
Slow-cooked Shabbat stew with a modern touch.
Crockpot Roast Chicken
The easiest – and most delicious – way to serve up chicken.
Crockpot Short Ribs with Pomegranate Molasses
This short ribs recipe is so rich and delicious, no one will guess you didn’t spend all day cooking.
Crockpot Israeli-Style Stuffed Peppers
Set your slow cooker for a hearty, Israeli-inspired dinner.
Latin-Inspired Vegetarian Cholent
Add some meat-free spice to your Shabbat.
Crockpot Beef Barley Mushroom Soup
This gently seasoned beef and barley mushroom soup is a cold weather classic.
Crockpot Bukharian Osavo
This Bukharian slow-cooked hearty rice and brisket is a family favorite that will warm you up even on the coldest winter days.
Crockpot Sweet and Sour Brisket
Brisket is never a bad idea, especially with a recipe as good as this. Treat yourself.
cholent
Pronounced: CHO-lent, Origin: Yiddish, but believed to be derived from French, a slow-cooked stew traditionally prepared for and left cooking over Shabbat.
kugel
Prounounced: KOO-gull (oo as in book), Origin: Yiddish, traditional Ashkenazi casserole frequently made with egg noodles or potatoes.
Shabbat
Pronounced: shuh-BAHT or shah-BAHT, Origin: Hebrew, the Sabbath, from sundown Friday to sundown Saturday.
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