7 Tips To Master The Art Of Slow Cooking

Slow cookers are a fantastic addition to any home cook's kitchen arsenal. They offer convenience and a hands-off cooking method that allows flavours to develop and meld together beautifully. If you're new to using a slow cooker or simply looking to enhance your slow cooking knowledge and technique, these seven valuable tips will come in handy for creating mouth-watering meals.

Quick Links

• What is a slow cooker?
• Slow cooker vs pressure cooker
• How to use a slow cooker: 7 tips for success
  • Tip 1 - Choose the right cuts of meat
  • Tip 2 - Sear and sauté for enhanced flavour
  • Tip 3 - Layer strategically
  • Tip 4 - Don't overcrowd ingredients
  • Tip 5 - Use the right amount of liquid
  • Tip 6 - Don't open the lid
  • Tip 7 - Use the correct timing and settings
• Additional tips for using a slow cooker
• The best way to cook with a slow cooker

What is a slow cooker?

A slow cooker, also known as a crockpot, is a kitchen appliance used for slow and low-temperature cooking. It consists of a lidded pot made of ceramic, porcelain, or metal, along with a heating element located in the base. Slow cookers are designed to cook food over a long period at a relatively low temperature, typically between 77°C (170°F) and 138°C (280°F). They provide a convenient way to prepare meals by allowing ingredients to simmer and cook slowly over several hours, resulting in tender, flavourful dishes. Slow cookers are especially popular for preparing stews, soups, roasts, and other one-pot meals.

Slow cooker vs pressure cooker?

While the two are commonly confused we break down a slow cooker vs pressure cooker for you. A pressure cooker and a slow cooker are two different kitchen appliances that offer distinct cooking methods and benefits. A slow cooker (or crockpot) is designed to cook food slowly at a low temperature over an extended period. A pressure cooker is a sealed pot that uses steam pressure to cook food quickly. It cooks food at a higher temperature and under pressure, which significantly reduces cooking time compared to traditional methods. The airtight seal traps steam and increases the pressure inside the cooker, raising the boiling point of water and allowing food to cook faster. Pressure cookers are known for their ability to tenderise tough cuts of meat, cook grains and beans rapidly, and retain the natural flavours and nutrients of ingredients.

How To Use A Slow Cooker: 7 Tips For Success

Slow cookers are a great way to save time in the kitchen and create deliciously easy, flavourful meals. If you're not using your slow cooker correctly, however, you may not be getting the best possible results. Here are 7 tips for using a slow cooker like a pro:

Tip 1: Choose the right cuts of meat

When it comes to slow cooking, not all cuts of meat are created equal. Opt for tough and economical cuts like chuck roast, pork shoulder, silverside or brisket. These cuts of meat contain more connective tissue and fat that breaks down during prolonged cooking, resulting in tender and succulent dishes. These cuts are perfect for classic slow-cooked meals like pulled pork, beef stew, or pot roast.

Tip 2: Sear and sauté for enhanced flavour

To maximise the flavour potential of your slow cooker meals, take the time to sear or brown your meat before placing it in the slow cooker. This step adds depth and richness to the dish by caramelising the surface of the meat, enhancing the overall taste. To brown the meat, simply heat some oil in a skillet over medium heat and brown the meat on all sides. This will give the meat a nice crust and help to prevent it from drying out during slow cooking. You can also sauté your onions, garlic, and other aromatic ingredients using a sauté pan before adding them to the slow cooker can elevate the flavour profile of your dish.

Tip 3: Layer ingredients strategically and with care

Proper layering of ingredients is crucial for even cooking and optimal flavour distribution. Start by placing the meat at the bottom of the slow cooker, followed by root vegetables like potatoes and carrots. Add other ingredients like onions, garlic, and spices on top. This layering technique allows the flavours to meld together while preventing any uncooked or overcooked ingredients.

Tip 4: Don't overcrowd the slow cooker

While it may be tempting to fill your slow cooker to the brim, it's important to leave some space for proper heat circulation. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking and may result in undercooked food. As a general rule of thumb, fill your slow cooker no more than two-thirds full to ensure consistent and thorough cooking.

Tip 5: Use the correct amount of liquid

Slow cooking requires a sufficient amount of liquid to keep the food moist and prevent it from drying out. However, be cautious not to add too much liquid, as slow cookers don't allow for evaporation like traditional cooking methods and you could end up with a diluted and watery dish. A good rule of thumb is to add enough liquid to come about halfway up the sides of the meat. Adjust the amount based on the recipe and your preferences.

Tip 6: Don't open the slow cooker lid

Resist the temptation to check on your slow cooker by frequently lifting the lid. Every time you do so, heat escapes, which can significantly impact the cooking time. It is estimated that each time the lid of a slow cooker is opened, the required cooking time increases by 15 to 20 minutes. Stirring is also generally not required. Trust the process and allow the flavours to develop undisturbed. Only remove the lid or stir when necessary, as directed in the recipe, or when adding delicate ingredients and adjusting the seasoning.

Tip 7: Use the correct timing and settings

Slow cooking requires patience and planning. Before you begin, make sure you have allocated enough time for your meal. Most slow cooker recipes require 6-8 hours on low heat or 3-4 hours on high heat. If you're away during the day, consider using a programmable slow cooker with an auto setting or timer, or opt for recipes that require longer cooking times, such as overnight breakfast casseroles or slow-cooked roasts.

Using the right settings on a slow cooker is also paramount. Slow cookers typically have two settings: low and high. Low is for longer cooking times, while high is for shorter cooking times. For most dishes, low is the best setting. This will allow the flavours to develop slowly and evenly. However, if you're in a hurry, you can use the high setting. Just be aware that your food will cook more quickly on high and may not be as flavourful.

Bonus Useful Tips And Ideas For Using A Slow Cooker

Here are some additional tips for using a slow cooker:

• Let the food rest before serving. After the slow cooker has finished cooking, let the food rest for 10 to 15 minutes before serving. This allows the flavours to meld and the juices to redistribute. This will help to prevent the meat from drying out and will make it easier to slice or shred.
• Use fresh or thawed meat. Do not use frozen meat in a slow cooker, as it will take longer to cook and may not cook evenly. If you do use frozen meat, make sure to thaw it completely before adding it to the slow cooker.
• Season the meat well. Season the meat with salt, pepper, and your favourite herbs and spices before cooking. This will help to flavour the meat and prevent it from drying out. You can also add a small amount of liquid, such as broth or wine, to the slow cooker to help to flavour the meat.
• Finish with a flavour boost. Some dishes benefit from an additional flavour boost towards the end of the cooking time, and a slow cooker is a fantastic tool for infusing dishes with bold flavours. Don't be afraid to experiment with spices, herbs, and seasonings to elevate the taste of your meals. From aromatic herbs like rosemary and thyme to bold, complex spices like cumin and paprika, the slow cooker can transform simple ingredients into a burst of deliciousness. Remember to taste and adjust the seasoning before serving to ensure the perfect balance of flavours.
• Use your slow cooker for desserts. Slow cookers can also be used to make desserts, such as cobblers, crumbles, and cheesecake. Simply add your favourite ingredients to the slow cooker and let it cook until the dessert is set.
• Get creative with your slow cooker recipes. There are endless possibilities when it comes to slow cooker recipes. You can find recipes for everything from soups and stews to main dishes and desserts. Get creative and experiment with different flavours and ingredients.

Discover The Best Way To Cook With A Slow Cooker

You're now equipped to maximise your slow cooker's potential. The slow cooker's convenience and versatility make it an essential tool for busy individuals and food enthusiasts alike. From tender meats and flavourful stews to this incredible slow-cooked osso bucco with creamy polenta from chef Miguel Maestre, the possibilities are endless when it comes to slow cooking. Embrace the convenient culinary experience that a slow cooker brings to your kitchen and enjoy the delightful meals it can produce. Happy slow cooking!

You can shop quality kitchen appliances including slow cookers at great prices at Harris Scarfe. Featuring premium brands such as Smith & Nobel, Breville, and Russell Hobbs, you'll find the right slow cooker for you. Check out the Food Hub for more amazing recipes and inspiration, you might like our articles such as What Is A Dutch Oven: The Complete Guide and Tips, Tricks And Hacks For Every Beginner Baker.