5 Best Crockpot Kale Recipes You Need to Try

Why Kale in Your Crockpot?

Kale, known for its robust nutritional profile, including high levels of vitamins A, K, C, and minerals like calcium and iron, is an excellent addition to your slow cooker meals. Its sturdy leaves hold up well in the slow cooking process, adding both color and texture to dishes while imparting a mild, earthy flavor. Here are some compelling reasons to cook kale in a crockpot:

• Preserves Nutrients: Slow cooking can help retain more nutrients than other high-heat cooking methods.
• Enhances Flavor: Kale’s natural flavors get concentrated, enhancing the taste of your meals.
• Ease of Preparation: Prep is simple, and you can start your meal in the morning and return to a cooked dish by evening.

🌱 Note: Cooking kale in a slow cooker can make it incredibly tender, but to prevent it from becoming mushy, add it towards the end of the cooking process.

Recipe 1: Slow Cooker Kale and Potato Soup

This hearty soup combines the earthy goodness of kale with the creamy comfort of potatoes, making for a perfect autumn or winter meal. Here’s how to prepare it:

Ingredients:

• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1.5 lbs potatoes, cubed
• 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 1 bunch of kale, stems removed and leaves torn
• 1 cup heavy cream or milk
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: crumbled bacon for topping

Instructions:

1. Place onions, garlic, and potatoes into your slow cooker.
2. Pour in the broth, ensuring everything is submerged.
3. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until potatoes are tender.
5. Stir in the cream and add the kale, cooking for an additional 30 minutes on high.
6. Adjust seasoning and serve hot, optionally with a sprinkle of bacon.

🔥 Note: If you prefer a creamier soup, blend half of it with an immersion blender before adding the kale.

Recipe 2: Crockpot Kale and White Bean Stew

Here is a flavorful and nutritious stew that’s perfect for chilly days, combining the goodness of kale with the creaminess of white beans.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb dried white beans, soaked overnight
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 6 cups vegetable or chicken stock
• 1 bunch of kale, chopped
• 2 sprigs of thyme
• Salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes to taste
• Juice of 1 lemon

Instructions:

1. Add all ingredients except for kale and lemon juice into the slow cooker.
2. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or until beans are tender.
3. Add kale and lemon juice in the last 30 minutes of cooking.
4. Season to taste before serving.

Recipe 3: Kale and Quinoa Crockpot Curry

For those who enjoy a spicy and aromatic dish, this kale and quinoa curry in a crockpot is a delightful choice:

Ingredients:

• 1 can of coconut milk
• 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
• 2 cups vegetable stock
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon curry powder
• 1 bunch of kale, torn into pieces
• 1 can of chickpeas, rinsed
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions:

1. Combine coconut milk, quinoa, vegetable stock, onion, garlic, and curry powder in the crockpot.
2. Cook on low for 4 hours.
3. Add kale and chickpeas, cooking for an additional 30 minutes.
4. Garnish with cilantro before serving.

🌶️ Note: Adjust the heat level with more or less curry powder, or add fresh chilies for extra spice.

Recipe 4: Savory Sausage and Kale Crockpot Pasta

This dish brings the comforting flavors of sausage and kale together with the ease of a slow cooker, perfect for a family dinner:

Ingredients:

• 1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 can of diced tomatoes
• 1 bunch of kale, chopped
• 12 oz pasta
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Grated Parmesan cheese for serving

Instructions:

1. Brown sausage in a pan, then transfer to the slow cooker.
2. Add onion, garlic, chicken broth, and tomatoes.
3. Cook on low for 6 hours.
4. Add pasta and kale, cooking for another 30-45 minutes until pasta is cooked through.
5. Serve with Parmesan cheese.

Recipe 5: Vegetarian Lentil and Kale Stew

A nutritious and hearty stew, perfect for vegetarians, that combines lentils with kale for a fiber-packed meal:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup green lentils, rinsed
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 carrots, diced
• 2 potatoes, diced
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 bunch of kale, chopped
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 lemon, for juice

Instructions:

1. Combine lentils, onion, carrots, potatoes, broth, cumin, and paprika in the slow cooker.
2. Cook on low for 8 hours or until lentils are tender.
3. Add kale and lemon juice, cook for an additional 30 minutes.
4. Adjust seasoning and serve.

The versatility of kale in crockpot cooking opens up a world of flavorful, nutrient-rich options. From comforting soups to spicy curries and hearty stews, these dishes showcase how kale can elevate your slow cooker recipes. By incorporating kale, you not only boost the nutritional content of your meals but also add a unique texture and flavor profile that makes each dish stand out. These recipes are a testament to the fact that healthy eating can be both easy and delicious with the right ingredients and cooking method.