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How to use a slow cooker
Dear Cooking Coach – Can you suggest some recipe ideas for a slow cooker?
Slow-cookers are a great invention - if you plan ahead. These electric cookers really seal in the flavours of the ingredients, and are ideal for families that are organised enough to prepare the ingredients in advance then leave them cooking all day if necessary – just trust it to work, and no peeking.
The best things to cook in them are meat stews, especially beef and lamb. This is because the long, low-temperature cooking slowly breaks down the fibres in the meat, making it tender and infusing it with the other flavours (which could be stock, tomatoes, spices, vegetables).
The important thing to remember is to use the right cut of meat, namely stewing or braising cuts (usually the cheapest in price but having the best flavour when cooked in this way).
Then look for recipes that require pot-roasting in the oven for 2–3 hours on a low temperature - these would adapt well to a slow cooker. (Make sure you read suggested times from the manufacturers instructions because it will take longer than in a conventional oven.)
Slow food, no rush
Think of things like a basic British pot roast – I always use brisket for this – or a Middle-Eastern lamb tagine full of aromatic spices. Lamb shanks in white wine and tomatoes are fantastic in a slow cooker.
Another good idea, especially for autumn and winter meals, is beans. Buy the dried version of haricot, black, or pinto beans - or any other you like - and add a ham shank for extra richness and flavour. Make sure you soak them overnight first (especially kidney beans). Most of the time you don't even need to use stock as water will absorb the flavour and make a tasty stock as it cooks.
For a vegetarian alternative, use root vegetables such as potatoes, swede, parsnips, celeriac, turnips or carrots. They won’t need as long a cooking time as meat and will give you a wonderful veggie stew.
Finally, most dishes cooked in a slow cooker are suitable for freezing, so don’t be afraid to make loads and freeze some for later.
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