Slow cookers have become increasingly popular over the years, and for good reason. These kitchen gadgets make cooking easy, convenient, and time-saving. If you’re new to slow cooking or are curious about how it works, this article will provide you with all the information you need. In this article, we’ll explore how a slow cooker cooks food, the benefits of cooking with a slow cooker, and some delicious slow cooker recipes you can try for yourself.
How Does a Slow Cooker Cook Food?
Slow cooking is a method of cooking that uses low heat over a long period of time. A slow cooker, also known as a crock-pot, is a countertop appliance that uses this method of cooking. The appliance consists of a ceramic or metal pot that is surrounded by an electric heating element. The lid of the pot is made of glass or plastic, which allows you to see the food as it cooks.
When you turn on the slow cooker, the heating element heats up the pot and the food inside. The heat is then transferred to the food, which slowly cooks over several hours. The low heat and long cooking time allow the flavors to meld together, resulting in a delicious and tender meal.
The Benefits of Cooking with a Slow Cooker
There are several benefits to cooking with a slow cooker:
- Convenience: With a slow cooker, you can prep your ingredients in the morning and come back to a fully cooked meal at dinnertime. This is especially helpful for busy families or those who don’t have a lot of time to spend in the kitchen.
- Time-saving: Slow cooking is a time-saving method of cooking since you don’t have to stand over the stove or oven to monitor your food. You can set it and forget it, freeing up your time to do other things.
- One pot cooking: Slow cookers are perfect for one pot meals, which means fewer dishes to clean up after dinner.
- Healthy cooking: Slow cooking allows you to cook with less oil and fat, resulting in healthier meals.
Delicious Slow Cooker Recipes
Now that you know how a slow cooker works and the benefits of cooking with one, it’s time to try out some delicious slow cooker recipes. Here are a few recipes to get you started:
Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings
Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
- 1/2 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 can refrigerated biscuit dough
Directions:
- Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
- Add the chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, frozen peas and carrots, onion, garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours.
- Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred with two forks.
- Add the shredded chicken back to the slow cooker.
- Cut the biscuit dough into small pieces and add to the slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on high for an additional 30 minutes, or until the biscuits are cooked through.
Slow Cooker Beef Stew
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs beef stew meat
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 4 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 4 potatoes, peeled and chopped
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
Directions:
- Place the beef stew meat in the slow cooker.
- In a small bowl, combine the flour, salt, black pepper, thyme, paprika, and garlic powder. Sprinkle over the beef and toss to coat.
- Add the onion, garlic, beef broth, carrots, potatoes, and celery to the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
- Cover and cook on low for 8 hours, or on high for 4 hours.
Conclusion
Slow cookers are a convenient and time-saving way to cook delicious meals. By using low heat over a long period of time, slow cookers allow the flavors to meld together, resulting in tender and flavorful meals. With these delicious slow cooker recipes, you can start enjoying the benefits of slow cooking for yourself.
