There is nothing more delicious than a warming stew or casserole waiting for you when you get home on a cold evening. The ease of use means that ingredients can be prepared in the morning and left to cook through the day providing delicious results. The sales of slow cookers have boomed in recent years, so obviously there are numerous benefits; if you haven’t discovered the wonders of the slow cooker yet, it’s time to learn what you’re missing out on.
The first slow cooker came onto the market in the 1970’s and was manufactured by Rival, although it was called a ‘Crock-Pot’. Modern slow cookers work in exactly the same way as the original Crock-Pots, although they do offer more control for the user with timers and heat settings. Coined as a moist air cooking system, the slow cooker produces steam which condenses on the lid and drips back into the pot ensuring that ingredients stay moist.
People are increasingly looking to slow cookers as a way to create tasty meals that fit around busy lifestyles. This method also reduces the overall cost of eating nutritiously. Low cost ingredients can be used without the end result being compromised, and the low energy consumption also keeps running costs low. Slow cookers only use the same amount of electricity as a light bulb, so there is no need to worry about it staying on all day. The beauty of the slow cooker is that it can transform cheaper cuts of meat into tender morsels capable of gracing the plates of even the fussiest of eaters. The versatility of the slow cooker means that not only casseroles and stews can be cooked to perfection but also dishes such as soups and Spaghetti Bolognaise.
What once used to create bland, one dimensional dishes can now provide meals full of flavour with a new depth being achieved with modern pieces of equipment. Experimenting with flavours will guarantee delicious dishes every time they emerge from the slow cooker.
Top Tips for Maximum Flavour
- Use lots of aromatics such as garlic and onions
- Instead of grinding peppercorns, crush them so that they release flavour more slowly
- Crush cumin, fennel and coriander before adding
- Use fresh rosemary and thyme – throw in the whole stem complete with leaves. The stem cooks slowly adding flavour and keeping the dish seasoned
- At the end of cooking add extra spices such as fresh chillies. Cook them just long enough for the flavours to be released
Although slow cookers are great for use in domestic kitchens they also offer the perfect time saving method in a professional kitchen. Prior preparation to service frees up valuable time in a busy kitchen. The dish is ready to be served as soon as it is ordered keeping waiting times low whilst still retaining quality. Slow cookers aren't generally manufactured for the commercial market in the same manner as those seen in the domestic arena however slow cooking techniques can be employed using equipment such as rice cookers, sous vide machines, cook and hold ovens and pressure cookers.
If you run a hectic lifestyle and need to keep food costs low yet meals still nutritious, don’t reach for the processed foods – invest in a slow cooker instead and see what difference it could make to your life!