5 Easy Slow Cooker Recipes
A guide to S l o w Cooking: Slow cookers have had a lot of airtime in recent years, but are they worth the hype? We think so. As well as offering convenience, cost-effectiveness, and versatility, they also help minimise the washing up! What’s not to love?!
What is a slow cooker?
A slow cooker (also known in the US as a crock-pot) is a kitchen appliance that uses a low, steady heat over a longer time to cook and tenderize food, making it ideal for preparing slow-cooked dishes with minimal effort.
So, what are the benefits?
They’re energy efficient - slow cookers use less energy than traditional ovens and stove tops so help to save on energy bills (slow cookers average out at 16p a day and £59 per year, whereas the average electric cooker is 87p and £316 a year).
It’s easier for you! They help to save time and money.
They’re great for using up scraps, if somethings looking a little tired then it’s ready for a slow cook!
Because it’s cooked at a lower temperature, food retains more nutrients, and you can get away with using less or no oil.
The dreaded post cook clean-up is super easy, most even have a dishwasher safe removable pot.
Ideal for entertaining - they free up oven and stove top space, and keep your food warm until you’re ready, so you can spend more time perfecting your hosting skills!
Depending on the size they’re great for low effort batch cooking, stick something on over the weekend and freeze most of it for an easy mid-week meal.
How to use
Slow cookers are pretty straightforward – pick your recipe, prep your ingredients and chuck them in, turn the slow cooker on and leave it to do its thing! And when you’re ready to clean up the removable pot makes it nice and easy.
Top tips!
Don’t chop things too small (unless you want them to melt in).
You can use frozen or tinned veg as well as fresh.
If using frozen veg and meat, make sure you defrost both first (if you’re just using frozen veg, then it can go in frozen!).
Throw garlic cloves in whole for a good flavour boost.
Don’t overdo it on the liquids, they don’t evaporate in a slow cooker so go for 2/3 full to avoid an accidental soup!
Browning your meats before clow cooking helps to seal in some of that flavour.
Try to resist temptation and keep the lid on! This helps to seal in the steam and heat and stops your food from drying out.
You can add flour to help thicken dishes up if they’re bit watery (a cornflour and water mix is particularly good!)
Check out our easy 5 slow cooker recipes:
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