October is here, and that means one thing: soup season! Welcome to your ultimate guide to slow cooker soups. Whether you’re an experienced cook or just starting out in the kitchen, this blog will take you through the amazing world of slow cooker soups. I’ll cover their benefits and explain why they are the perfect comfort food for any time of year.

Slow cookers (or crockpots) revolutionise the way we prepare soups for several reasons. First and foremost, they offer incredible convenience; you can simply add your ingredients, set the timer, and let the slow cooker do its magic. This means you can start your soup in the morning and return home to a perfectly cooked meal. Additionally, the low and slow cooking process enhances flavours, allowing them to meld and intensify for richer, more complex soups.

Moreover, slow cookers are energy-efficient, using less energy than conventional ovens, making them an eco-friendly choice. They also help retain nutrients better than high-heat cooking methods due to their gentle cooking technique. For those working with tougher cuts of meat, slow cooking is ideal as it tenderises these less expensive options, making them flavourful and succulent.

Finally, most slow cookers can accommodate large quantities, making them perfect for meal prep or feeding a crowd. With hands-off cooking, once you’ve added your ingredients, you can leave the slow cooker unattended, freeing up your time for other tasks.

While soups can be enjoyed year-round, there’s something special about a steaming bowl of soup during the colder months. Traditionally, soup season is associated with Autumn and Winter, when temperatures drop and we crave warm, comforting meals.

As leaves change colour and the air turns crisp, our bodies naturally begin to crave heartier, warming foods. Autumn is the perfect time to start experimenting with seasonal ingredients in your slow cooker soups such as pumpkin and squash, root vegetables such as carrots, parsnips, and turnips… or even try adding chunks of apple to your soup for a touch of sweetness and texture.

When winter’s chill sets in, there’s nothing quite like coming home to a pot of slow-cooked soup. Winter soups tend to be heartier and more substantial with people adding beans, lentils and split peas to make a more filling, protein-rich soup. Or even adding spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves for warmth… and of course you can’t forget the classics such as beef stews and creamy potato soups. Deeeelicious.

Some people tend to put their slow cooker away during the warmer months, but Spring & Summer offer the perfect opportunity for a lighter, fresher soup such as a nice garden vegetable soup with fresh seasonal produce like peas, asparagus and tomatoes. For me, soup is great all year round!

Research has shown that comfort foods, like soup, can have a positive impact on our psychological well-being. A study published in the journal Psychological Science found that comfort foods can help alleviate feelings of loneliness and boost mood. The act of preparing and consuming soup can also be a form of self-care. Taking the time to nourish ourselves with a wholesome, home-cooked meal can be a powerful act of self-love and mindfulness.

Whether you’re a busy professional, a parent juggling multiple responsibilities, or simply someone who appreciates good food with minimal effort, slow cooker soups are sure to become a staple during the colder months. From hearty winter stews to light summer broths, the versatility of slow cooker soups means there’s a recipe for every season and every taste preference. By mastering the basics of slow cooker soup-making and experimenting with different ingredients and flavours, you’ll be able to create an endless variety of satisfying meals. So, dust off that slow cooker, stock up on your favourite ingredients, and get ready to fill your home with the comforting aromas of simmering soup. Your taste buds will thank you!