Slow cooking mushrooms in ginger and garlic broth gives this vegan hot and sour soup a deep and delicious flavor. Perfect crock pot meal!
My poor slow cooker has spent most of its life gathering dust on a shelf, but lately it is getting a workout thanks to Kathy Hester’s new book, The Vegan Slow Cooker. With easy recipes, a clean layout, and lovely photos, it’s enticed even a last-minute cook like me to think ahead a little and get my crock pot going in the morning so that when dinnertime comes the meal is already done. Fortunately, Kathy’s publisher sent me two copies of her book, so I have one to share with a lucky reader–maybe you! [Update: A winner has been drawn. Thank you to all who entered. See the end of the post for details.]
When you open The Vegan Slow Cooker, the first thing you’ll notice is the layout: each recipe has its own page (no turning back and forth between ingredients and instructions) with ingredients on the left and instructions on the right. Kathy breaks the instructions down into two parts, what to do the night before and what to do in the morning, so that the recipes come together quickly in the morning when you’re likely to have less time. And if you’re a visual person, you’ll be happy to know that there are large, professionally shot photos of about 40 of the 150 recipes. Most recipes are easy and call for ingredients that are not hard to find in supermarkets.
Many of the recipes do use seitan and soy, but Kathy offers substitutes and includes recipes for making your own seitan (“Chick’n” and “Beefy”) as well as a gluten-free apple sage sausage, homemade ketchup, and low-sodium “chickeny” bouillon. Soy-free and gluten-free recipes are marked with symbols, and asterisks indicate substitutes for soy and gluten.
Though many of the recipes contain a little olive oil or vegan margarine, there are several recipes that are fat-free as written, including Creamy Butternut Squash Risotto, Caribbean Mango Black Beans, and Chile-Chocolate Black Bean Brownies (includes walnuts). Most of the oil that is used is easily removed by sauteing with water or broth, though the recipes that include vegan cheese may be a little harder to adapt for low-fat dieters.
You can get a taste of Kathy’s recipes for yourself at her blog, Healthy Slow Cooking. She has also contributed several to the main Fatfree Vegan Recipes site, where they’ve become some of the most popular recipes. You can see them all on this page.
I had a hard time deciding which recipe to test from the book–both the Pumpkin Lasagna and the Caribbean Mango Black Beans had me intrigued–but the decision was taken out of my hands when my husband saw the Hot and Sour Soup recipe. It’s a soup he’s been craving ever since he became vegetarian, and I just haven’t found a recipe he really likes.
Kathy’s version, however, was a huge success. Though it wasn’t exactly what he remembered, it was so flavorful due to the long-cooking of the mushrooms in garlic and ginger-flavored broth–we both loved it.
Though the recipe says that it makes 4 servings, they are very big servings, and since we were eating it as part of a meal that included stir-fried vegetables and rice, we actually enjoyed leftovers for two more meals. I didn’t think the 1 teaspoon of chile sauce (I used Sambal Oelek) would be very spicy, but it turned out too hot for E, so spicy-haters beware and use a little less. With the chile sauce on the side, this soup will be a regular in our house.
Kathy's Slow-Cooker Hot and Sour Soup
Ingredients
- 1 10-ounce package sliced mushrooms (280g)
- 8 fresh shiitake mushrooms stems removed and caps sliced
- 1 8-ounce can bamboo shoots, drained and jullienned (225g)
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 15-ounce package firm or silken tofu, cubed (420g)
- 2 tablespoons grated fresh ginger, divided (16g)
- 4 cups water (940ml)
- 2 tablespoons vegan chicken-flavored bouillon (16g)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari, for gluten-free) (30ml)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil plus extra for drizzling (Susan's note: I didn't need the extra)
- 1 teaspoon chili paste
- 2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar (30ml)
- 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen peas (225g)
Instructions
- The Night Before: Store the cut-up mushrooms, bamboo shoots, garlic, and tofu in an airtight container in the fridge. Store the prepared ginger in another airtight container in the fridge.
- In the Morning: Combine the mushrooms, bamboo, shoots, garlic, tofu, 1 tablespoon (8g) of the ginger, water, bouillon, soy sauce, sesame oil, chili paste, and vinegar in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 8 hours.
- A few minutes before serving, add the peas and the remaining 1 tablespoon (8g) ginger and stir to combine. Taste the broth and add more vinegar or chili if needed. Drizzle a few drops of sesame oil on top of each serving. If you like it milder and your friends like it hot, serve the chili paste on the side.
- Preparation time: 15 minute(s) | Cooking time: 6 to 8 hour(s)
- Number of servings (yield): 4
Notes
Nutritional info is approximate.
Please pin and share!
Catherine B
I would love to win a copy of this book. After 2 years of paperwork, my adoption is finally going through and my 6 month old is coming home on Monday. I need all the time I can to bond with her so lots of crock pot meals are in my future!
Caroline
My favorite recipe in the slow cooker is lentil vegetable soup. Somehow it tastes richer and more flavorful than when I cook it on the stove. I would love a copy of this book because I’m always looking for straightforward ideas for dinner. It is great to come home to dinner that is ready to eat!
Vickie Taylor
Wow, I’d love to have a copy of Kathy Hester’s book because, before I went vegetarian (nearly a vegan, but I eat eggs from my own happy chickens) I used to be a slow cooker FREAK. I own four — different sizes and shapes. I used to use it every day and love the convenience of preparing dinner in the morning when I’m fresh and having a hot supper waiting after work. But when I went vegetarian two years ago, I realized most of my favorite recipes were no longer usable. I mourned the loss the day I put my slow cookers up on a shelf. I’d love to get them back down again!
Karen Beth
My favorite slow-cooker recipe is kind of my favorite because I don’t know any others. It is a lovely bean and corn chili recipe that is delicious! Would love some other vegan recipes to use my slow cooker with. Thanks!
msred5 at gmail dot com
Mesha
I am very new to the vegan world and am THRILLED to learn that I will still be able to use my slow cooker. Please, please help out a newbie! I’d love to win a copy of “The Vegan Slow Cooker.” It’s a bit overwelming in the beginning making the transition and learning how to cook vegan-style.
Thanks for the recipes!!! Of course, I hope I win, but good luck to all!!
Jenn
This recipe looks delish!! Since having my baby and going back to work full-time, my slow cooker has become my best friend! I’m always looking for recipes and would love a copy of this book
Jenn
Would love to win a copy of this book! I work nights full time and am also in school, so it’s been tough to do as much cooking as I’d like. I’d love more options for great slow-cooker meals that practically cook themselves!
Ashley
I’ve had a slow cooker since last Christmas and have only used it twice. I’d love to get something ready the night before that would allow me to come home to a hot dinner in the evening.
Dee Weaver
If this is an example of the recipes in this book, I need this book… and I need a slow cooker too!
Amber
I’m a single vegan mom with a 6 year old vegan first grader. This book could really help put my crock pot to work since i can’t really recall ever using it. I can’t imagine all the free time I would have to finally catch up on laundry, help Aubrey with her homework, play, relax etc. ::fingers crossed::
Karen
This seems perfect for my San Francisco winters (and summers). I love using my slow cooker and would love a copy of this book! Good thing my farmer’s market has a mushroom stand every week. I might add a few more veggies into the mix
April H
I would love a copy of this book! I love using my slow cooker, especially in the winter because it makes the whole house smell so good!
Judy Williams
My dust gathering crockpot would love to be revived with some meatless recipes. This book sounds like a fabulous way to get started.
Emmy mathis
Our family have recently chosen a vegan diet and would love the new recipe book… I have a 5 year old and a 15 month old so anything that gives me extra time during the day is great!!
A.L.Wolfe
Hot and sour soup is my “go to” meal at the first sign of a cold, never thought to do it in the crockpot, yay! My favorite crock pot dish is chili, any which way, and I would love to win the cookbook because the names of the recipes sound so healthy and innovative. As a senior, I want to take care of myself as well as I can through my diet and also enjoy tasty meals 🙂 Love your pix btw!
Kirsten
I am so excited! Would love a copy of this book. My slow cooker is also gathering dust.
Stephanie
I have been looking for a recipe using tofu and this looks like a great one for me to try! My kids love tofu, but I don’t have a lot of experience cooking it.
I’d love a copy of the book because I cannot eat dairy and am always looking for new tasty recipes to try- and vegan ones seem to be the way to go! My family is not vegan, but we try to have at least one vegan meal a week- sometimes more if we plan ahead. And we do vegetarian meals as well. And as a Mom of 3 busy little girls, my slowcooker is my best friend at dinner time! Slowcooker+veggies= a winning combination! Can’t wait to try this recipe!
Elizabeth Diethelm
Pick me! I am so ready to break out my crock-pot (aka slow-cooker) and try some new tasty vegan meals!
Joann
I would love a copy of the book. This soup looks amazing and I would like to see some more of Kathy’s recipes.
kelly4kittys
I unfortunately don’t have a favorite slow cooker recipe, so a copy of this book might help change that!
sandy
My favorite EASY slow cooker recipe is a yellow split pea soup – simply broth, onion, spices and split peas. The Vegan Slow Cooker looks beautiful – love the lay out. I’m ready for more slow cooker recipes for the winter months!
sandy
Alesha
I’d love a chance to win this cookbook, because we use our crockpot so much. We try to do at least one crockpot dish each week, as our schedules are so insane. It helps the menu as well as the pocketbook!
Thanks,
Alesha
Meridith
I would love to win a copy of the cookbook! I need to find more creative ways to use my crockpot – now I just use it to cook beans or chili!
Larisa
I’m going to make the Hot & Sour soup this week! My teenage son has been vegetarian for a couple of years, and I can’t eat gluten or dairy, so it has led to cooking gluten-free vegan for the whole family. And being able to have a dinner ready to go in the slow cooker when I get home is perfect!
Kristi P.
I’ve been looking for a veg slow cooker book for YEARS. If I win this, I can give away the ones I currently have that are 2/3 non-veg. I would LOVE LOVE LOVE IT!!!
Toni
Love your blog 🙂 My favorite slow cooker recipe is for a barley, carrot and green pepper soup that I adore but my family most decidedly does not. I would like the cookbook to help find something we can all agree on!!
Sheryl
I would love to win the slow cooker cookbook. I haven’t used my slow cooker since last winter and would love to start of the season with some new recipes.
Kristen
I usually just make chili with my slow cooker, which I love, but I’d like to branch out from that. This book looks like the solution.
Paula Bauer
I love your recipes. I am a full time RV’er and all the recipes have been delicious. We just started eating vegan 2 months ago. My husband has heart issues and I have diabetes. We have been feeling better since we changed our eating habits. Your blog has been a godsend. I would love to have your slow cooker recipe book. I am making your soup tonight.
Ann
Susan
Since going vegan from being a long-time vegetarian I have enjoyed all the recipes I have tried from your blog (a lot of them have been breakfast items as I love to cook breakfasts) and you have inspired me to try new techniques to improve the healthfulness of some of my old recipes. I especially love reading about your daughter and her reviews of the recipes–I have 2 girls, a tween and a very opinionated 5 yr old–and it is always helpful to me to hear that E approves a dish! I agree with your husband that hot and sour soup is sorely missed on a veg diet (after more than 20 yrs I still long for it every time I browse a Chinese menu) and will definitely try this recipe (and serve it with your sweet and sour, one of my favs of yours). You can’t beat the ease of the crockpot, but I hardly use mine since I haven’t taken the time to develop or accumulate a recipe library for it, so I would love to check out this cookbook.
Thanks for all your great ideas and keep them coming!
Jill Princehouse
Hi Susan:
Like you, I decided one day to become a crock pot cook and purchased a crock pot. After it sat a while on the shelf gathering dust, I gave it to my daughter. Although I’d like her and her family to follow my no-added-fat vegan diet, they don’t. This cookbook would encourage me to grab another crock pot and try vegan recipes that I could test and pass on to my daughter for her family. I would very much like to try it.
Christina
I love slow cookers! I would much rather wake up early and prep for dinner than try to make something when I’m exhausted in the evening. My favorite dish is probably New Mexican green chile stew. When it simmers all day everything in the stew tastes like spicy happiness.
sharon
I would love to have this book so that I can give it to my brother-in-law. He is a meat-eater who has decided to cut out dairy and meat. Just this morning he asked me if I could give him books or recipes that would help him (as a lazy cook) go vegan. This would be perfect for him. I will also turn him on to your blog, which I use regularly. Thanks so much, Susan.
Ed
I would love to have the book. I’ve been a slow-cooker on the shelf for way too long. I can’t wait to get plugged in again with with some fresh veggies slowly simmering away, sending wonderful aromas wafting throughout my owner’s home. That’ll get him back on track.
Kathi Sandler
I LOVE the idea of Vegan H&S Soup! The one I’ve made in the past (made up) makes enough for an army…and we’ve recently gone mostly vegetarian and I’m leaning towards vegan. So this recipe is PERFECT! I’m also craving soups lately and the crock is the perfect way to accomplish that!!
Kim S.
I’m in a rut and need some new ideas! We have a slow cooker that I never use so this sounds like a great challenge!!
Heather Trupia
ooh, I hope I win the give away!!! I’ve been wanting to get this book and Vegan on $4 a day, and both are sitting in my Amazon basket, waiting for the extra money to buy!!! Need to spend money to save money! haha. I am back to working full-time and all of my old slow cooker favorites are not Vegan… so need new recipes for the new lifestyle!
Nancy Born
I’d love to win a copy of “The Vegan Slow Cooker.” I’m intrigued by your mention of seitan recipes, in particular. We want to learn how to make and use seitan. Also, the Hot and Sour Soup sounds fabulous! Thanks, I enjoy your blog.
Sarah Stockton
Yumm! That looks delicious! I would LOVE to win that book! I’ve missed using my slow cooker ever since I became vegan! There’s so many slow cooker recipes out there that call for cream of mushroom and cream of that. Ick. This book is exactly what this household needs! 🙂 Fresh, healthy, and easy!
Rebecca
This looks delish!! I have been eating vegan for about 5 weeks after being vegetarian for 13 years. My migraines are disappearing and I am sleeping through the night–quite a big deal for me! I have also pulled my slow cooker off the shelf recently to help make more dry bean dishes while I work during the day. My husband–who is home during the day but who prefers the clean-up portion of dinner to cooking–will gladly jump in to throw things together in the cooker if I have it ready. This is big incentive for me to think of yummy dishes that we can collaborate on! I would love a copy of this cookbook to try!!