Nothing combines convenience and comfort better than a slow cooker, a versatile kitchen tool that was invented nearly a century ago. The appliance made it to the public market in the 1950s but did not gain massive popularity until the 70’s. Today the number of creative recipes for this tool is endless, from soups and stews to main dishes, sides and desserts.
National Slow Cooker Month helps us to remember why this appliance is an important staple in our kitchen today. It’s time to pull the slow cooker out from the back of a cabinet! Add ingredients in the morning and let it cook away. It doesn’t get much easier than that!
In honor of National Slow Cooker Month , explore some quick tips for great slow-cooked dishes.
- Only fill the slow cooker halfway to two-thirds full. Overfilling the slow cooker may cause the ingredients to leak out over the sides and affect the cooking time.
- Many standard recipes can be adapted for a slow cooker. A rule of thumb is to reduce the liquid by about a third. Because of the tight-fitting lid, extra fluid will not evaporate like it would during other cooking methods. Just add enough liquid to cover the ingredients.
- Make sure your meat and vegetables are fully thawed before turning the slow cooker on. Loading a slow cooker with icy ingredients will keep food in the danger zone where bacteria can flourish.
- Slow cooker recipes are very forgiving. Feel free to adjust the recipe, including bulking up on vegetables. The textures and flavors of root vegetables work especially well in slow cooker recipes. Because root vegetables can take longer than meat and other vegetables to cook, add to the pot first.
- Choose the right cut of meat. Chuck roasts, short ribs, pork shoulders and lamb shanks become deliciously tender with the moist, low heat of a slow cooker. Leaner cuts like pork tenderloin tend to dry out. Dark meat chicken tends to remain juicier than white meat breasts. Trim fat from meat before slow cooking for a healthier result.
- Some recipes may call for browning meat or sautéing the vegetables prior to adding them to the crock pot. This extra step will enhance the end result with a layer of caramelized flavor.
- Bring out the flavors of slow cooked dishes by using the ‘Low’ setting when possible.
- If your sauce seems a bit thin, thicken it up with a bit of cornstarch. Make a paste of cornstarch and some of the liquid from the slow cooker. Stir the paste into the contents, replace the lid and let the dish simmer a bit.
- While many recipes call for all ingredients to be added at the beginning, most of the time pasta, rice and fresh herbs are added towards the end of cooking. Sour cream, milk and yogurt tend to break down in the slow cooker, so stir them in during the last 15 minutes of cooking.
- Slow cookers are designed to do their own thing and there is no need to check out the contents. Each time the lid is removed, heat will be lost which may increase the cooking time.
Looking for some slow cooker inspiration?
- Indulge in a comforting bowl of Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese that’s as nourishing as it is delicious. This creamy, healthy take on classic mac and cheese cooks effortlessly in the slow cooker, making it perfect for busy weekdays.
- Or try this slow cooked White Bean Chili for a warm, comforting blend of creamy white beans, aromatic spices, and fresh vegetables. An ideal dish for a cozy evening or a casual gathering, enjoy the deep, savory flavor that’s both nourishing and satisfying.
- Set up the crock pot early in the morning and enjoy this easy hearty vegetable soup for dinner that is packed with great taste and lots of protein.
Just a food safety reminder, refrigerate the contents of the slow cooker within two hours after turning off the appliance. Store leftovers in shallow covered container. Never reheat leftovers in a slow cooker. Instead, cooked food should be reheated on the stove, in a microwave, or in a conventional oven until it reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit (F). Once the food is hot, it can be placed in a preheated slow cooker to keep it hot for serving at 140 degrees or above.
National Slow Cooking Month is for everyone. Enjoy a tried and true recipe or be adventurous and try something new.
