A Hearty and Kid-Pleasing Slow-Cooker Cholent

Cholent is a classic Jewish dish – and has a really cool connection to a famous kitchen appliance, the Crock Pot. This recipe is an easy, make-ahead dinner that kids can help parents put together.

Related: Let’s Make Cholent!

In “Two Sisters,” the first episode of PJ Library’s new podcast, Have I Got a Story For You, sisters Amy and Emily love making cholent – and even share a special family recipe. If you’d like to cook up your own batch of “Grandma Mimi’s” cholent, follow along with the recipe below.

Ingredients:

1 large sweet onion, diced
3 carrots, cut into 2-3 inch chunks
2 russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 2-3 inch chunks
1 sweet potato, peeled and cut into 2-3 inch chunks
1 red bell pepper, chopped
4 cloves garlic, finely minced
1 cup pearled barley
1 packet Onion Soup Mix
1 15oz can of crushed tomato
1 15oz can low-sodium beef broth
1 pound stew meat or flanken steak
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 teaspoons paprika

Preparation:

  • Add all ingredients into the base of a slow-cooker, and toss to coat.
  • Cook on high setting overnight (anywhere from 8-10 hours).
  • In the morning, stir in 1 cup of water (or more, depending on sauce preference), and adjust to low setting until ready to serve.

Optional: Garnish with chopped Italian parsley.

Note: We recommend using a slow-cooker liner, for easy clean-up.