Slow cooker can be inexpensive to purchase and are easy to use. They are healthier and less fat than traditional cooking methods, and they require minimal effort. What’s not to like?
Ginny Thomas is a Crock-Pot training manager. We asked her how she could help you get the best results. To help you get started, we’ve also modifie some of our favorite recipes from the site. (Wait, you didn’t realize you could make a treacle sponge with just one.
What slow cooker should I buy?
A slow cooker can purchase for as low as PS15 (or several hundred pounds). But, quality does not always come at a lower price. To find the best slow cookers on the market, read our review.
Reduce your preparation time:
Many people love the simplicity of slow cookers. Avoid recipes that require a lot of prep work. You can throw everything in for most dishes, especially soups and stews.
You may prefer to cook the onions before you add them to the plate. However, the flavor will be different if you do this. Although it is possible to brown the meat to add color, it is not necessary.
Slow cooking is a good idea for the night before
You can make your slow-cooked meal ahead of time. If you are short on time, you can prepare it the night before and then put it in the slow cooker.
Cover the dish with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator overnight. The plate should be at room temperature. You can heat the dish in advance by placing the ingredients in another container. Then transfer them to the oven in the morning.
Cheap cuts
Slow cookers can be used to cook cheaper cuts of meat, such as beef brisket and pork shoulder, lamb shoulder, chicken thighs, and lamb shoulder.
Slow cooking allows you to use less meat and imparts a meaty flavor that permeates the entire dish. Bulk up vegetables instead.
Before slow cooking, trim the fat from the meat
A slow cooker doesn’t require oil. The contents will not catch as long there is enough moisture. It doesn’t matter how much fat you use on your meat.
It would help if you trimmed off any excess fat from your core when you cooked it. You’ll get a healthier result, and your stew will still taste great.
Slow cookers can reduce the liquid
The liquid will not evaporate because the slow cooker has a tightly sealed lid. The liquid should only cover the meat and vegetables.
Do not overfill your slow cooker. Otherwise, the food will not cook as well. Aim for half to two-thirds of the slow cooker’s capacity, but no more than three-quarters.
Flour can use to thicken sauces
The liquid doesn’t shrink, but it doesn’t thicken. A small amount of seasoned flour can used to coat the meat before you add it to the slow cooker.
You also have the option to sprinkle some corn flour on top. You can do the former by adding a teaspoon of corn flour to your slow cooker and blending it with some cold water to make a paste. Mix the ingredients in the slow cooker and cover.
Use the slow cooker at a low setting
Ginny has worked with slow-cookers for over a decade. Her advice is to use the “Low” setting as often as possible.
She finds that slow heat brings out the flavors in most dishes. It will take care of everything, so you don’t have to worry about going out. Ginny says, “I see it as my cook fairy making me dinner while I’m gone.”
Your slow cooker recipe is best left alone
Slow cookers can do their own thing, so there is no need to check the contents constantly. The heat will be released every time the lid is taken off. You will need to increase the cooking time if this continues.
All ingredients should add at the beginning
You want recipes that allow you to add most of the ingredients at the beginning. However, in most cases, you will need to add fresh herbs, rice, and pasta towards the end.
What time should I cook a slow cooker dish?
If the dish is usually:
- Take 15-30 minutes, and cook for 1-2 hours on High.
- So Cook it for 30 minutes – 1 hour.
- Cook it for 1-2 hours.
- Cook it for 2 to 4 hours.
Root vegetables take longer to cook than meat, so place them near the heat source at the bottom of your pot.