Your slow cooker is an ally in the kitchen, especially when you crave a comforting, satisfying stew where red lentils are fall-apart tender, and the vegetables are soft as butter. A little curry spice keeps it interesting. Plus, it’s loaded with fiber and high quality plant-based protein.

Active time: 15 minutes | Total time: 5 hrs 15min (cooked on high) 8hrs 15min (cooked on low)

Slow Cooker Turmeric Lentil Stew

Ingredients

• 1 cup (192g) dry red lentils
• 1 cup (128g) chopped carrot
• 2 cups (214g) chopped cauliflower
• 1 large onion (150g), chopped
• 4 cups (960g) low-sodium vegetable stock or water
• 2 tsp curry powder
• 1/8 tsp salt
• 2 cups (134g) kale, chopped

Directions

In a slow cooker, combine red lentils, carrots, cauliflower, onion, vegetable stock, curry powder, and salt. Cover tightly and turn the cooker to high. Cook on high for 5 hours or low for 8 hours.

When the time is up, remove the lid and stir. The lentils should be falling apart. Stir in the kale, cover, and let stand for about five minutes to soften the kale.

Serve hot, or cool completely and portion into containers to refrigerate, tightly covered, for up to 4 days.

Serves 4 | Serving size: 1 1/4 cup

Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 223; Total Fat: 2g; Saturated Fat: 0g; Monounsaturated Fat: 0g; Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g; Cholesterol: 0mg; Sodium: 154mg; Carbohydrate: 41g; Dietary Fiber: 9g; Sugar: 5g; Protein: 14g

Nutrition Bonus: Potassium: 742mg; Iron: 24%; Vitamin A: 307%; Vitamin C: 69%; Calcium: 9%

Originally published November 13, 2018; Updated May 2026

The post Slow Cooker Curry Lentil Stew appeared first on MyFitnessPal Blog.

Go ahead and buy the big bag of mandarin oranges. You might eat most of them out of hand, but save a few to use in this citrus-kissed smoothie. A serving of protein powder makes sure you’ll be satisfied all morning long, and you’ll get immune-boosting vitamin C thanks to the mandarins (1).

Active time: 5 minutes | Total time: 5 minutes

Mandarin-Ginger Smoothie

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup (123g) nonfat plain Greek yogurt
• 1/2 cup (122g) unsweetened soy milk
• 2 small mandarins, peeled (save a segment for garnish)
• 1/2 large banana, frozen
• 1 cup (13g) fresh spinach
• 1 tsp minced fresh ginger
• 1/4 tsp turmeric
• 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
• 1/2 serving plain whey protein powder

Directions

Place all of the ingredients in a high-powered blender. Secure the lid and blend, starting on low speed and increasing to high, until completely smooth.

Pour into a glass, garnish with the reserved mandarin segment if desired, and serve immediately.

Serves: 1 | Serving Size: 1 smoothie

Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 350; Total Fat: 4g; Saturated Fat: 1g; Monounsaturated Fat: 1g; Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g; Cholesterol: 33mg; Sodium: 189mg; Carbohydrate: 48g; Dietary Fiber: 6g; Sugar: 34g; Protein: 33g

Nutrition Bonus: Calcium: 46%; Iron: 12%; Potassium: 1093mg; Vitamin A: 193%; Vitamin C: 104%

Originally published January 2021; Updated May 2026

The post Mandarin-Ginger Smoothie appeared first on MyFitnessPal Blog.