Slow Cooker recipes

odyssey06

Problem #1: Oven heating element gone... will be relying on slow cooker as not keen on getting a repair engineer in to fix it right now.

Problem #2: Food reserves include several packs of lasagne sheets & sauces.

I know it's not the best method for it but anyone have success in slow cooker with beef lasagne + pasta i.e. not just the mince.

barneygumble99

odyssey06 wrote: »

Problem #1: Oven heating element gone... will be relying on slow cooker as not keen on getting a repair engineer in to fix it right now.

Problem #2: Food reserves include several packs of lasagne sheets & sauces.

I know it's not the best method for it but anyone have success in slow cooker with beef lasagne + pasta i.e. not just the mince.

Can you brown the mince first or is the cooker kaput??

odyssey06

barneygumble99 wrote: »

Can you brown the mince first or is the cooker kaput??

Hobs still working so yes, have usual options for the mince, it's the lasagne that's tricky.

barneygumble99

odyssey06 wrote: »

Hobs still working so yes, have usual options for the mince, it's the lasagne that's tricky.

Are you on Facebook??

odyssey06

barneygumble99 wrote: »

Are you on Facebook??

No but I can lurk if needed

barneygumble99

odyssey06 wrote: »

No but I can lurk if needed

Search Slow cooker recipes Ireland and search lasagne in the search bar. Good few results there but can’t link them for some reason. Seems fairly similar to the normal way just in a slow cooker. Haven’t done it myself but use the slow cooker regularly and it’s hard to go wrong.

odyssey06

barneygumble99 wrote: »

Search Slow cooker recipes Ireland and search lasagne in the search bar. Good few results there but can’t link them for some reason. Seems fairly similar to the normal way just in a slow cooker. Haven’t done it myself but use the slow cooker regularly and it’s hard to go wrong.

Got one via google but think it originated with that Facebook group... suggests using a tea towel under lid - maybe to absorb moisture.
Might give it a try...
http://oneyummymummy.com/2018/03/14/jessicas-slow-cooker-lasagne/

mrsdewinter

barneygumble99 wrote: »

Search Slow cooker recipes Ireland and search lasagne in the search bar. Good few results there but can’t link them for some reason. Seems fairly similar to the normal way just in a slow cooker. Haven’t done it myself but use the slow cooker regularly and it’s hard to go wrong.

I've cooked that version a couple of times. It's really nice.

Markcheese

I reckon lasagna would work out well , you cold probably finish it under a low grill to brown it ...

Try YouTube to see if there's a repair video for your model oven ... You'll probably find the element on e-bay .

Ish66

Bump, Nothing new since April ?

Dizzyblonde

Ish66 wrote: »

Bump, Nothing new since April ?

Now you've bumped the thread, by all means add one of your own recipes

Garlinge

Just had chicken cassarole out of slow cooker ... I use boned/skinned thigh portions. I fry some onion and garlic in pan briefly than brown chicken lightly on both sides and all into slow cooker. Add small bit of water to pan to gather up nice bits also add some passata and chicken stock pot. All then into pot with some carrots. Toward meal time I season (salt/pepper/bit of sugar) and add bit of cornflour to thicken.... job done. Started c 3pm and ready by 6 pm as chicken does quickly. Never use breast of chicken in slow cooker.

Ish66

Dizzyblonde wrote: »

Now you've bumped the thread, by all means add one of your own recipes

I dont have any sorry, I only bought my 1st one today but I will post a pic of my first attempt in what I had for dinner thread. Starting very basic with Beef Stew...Stay Tuned ! !

Dizzyblonde

Have a look at the recipe links in the first post, you'll soon be up and running

Coillte_Bhoy

Going to get a first slow cooker, any recommendations for a 3.5L one?

AnneRyan

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/r.html?C=1VAYFMVJ4YLY6&K=SYHFQHI39UGW&M=urn:rtn:msg:2020111217224490eff6b7ef77409c8dbee36cefa0p0eu&R=WAUASBEM921B&T=C&U=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.co.uk%2Fdp%2FB07DHML8R3%2Fref%3Dpe_3187911_185740111_TE_item&H=LKUSMVXSO0ZUD8PBRV0MGQ2DAE0A&ref_=pe_3187911_185740111_TE_item
I just bought this one, love it. Hinged lid so no drips and digital timer

Coillte_Bhoy

Just on size, is 3.5 big enough? mainly cooking for two but also might wnat to do extra to freeze etc?

AnneRyan

That's why I got the slightly bigger one . 4.7L ? Perfect size. Always do enough for 4 portions then freeze 2 of them. I had a loan of a 6L one and found it too big for us.

holly8

Vegetarian recipes....??

Caranica

holly8 wrote: »

Vegetarian recipes....??

Plenty of website recommendations on the thread? Vegetables don't necessarily suit slow cooking, would be better off with an instant pot.

Dizzyblonde

I've made both of these without beef, I add a tin of green lentils and a tin of mixed beans or chickpeas instead. You'd just have to use vegetable stock cubes. They won't take as long to cook as the beef version.

https://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showpost.php?p=97100857&postcount=666

https://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showpost.php?p=69995567&postcount=72

Coillte_Bhoy

Finally got a slow cooker, want to make a curry, got some stewing beef, onions, garlic, ginger, tomatoes, peppers, and a pataks paste jar. I presume i just fry off onions, garlic, ginger, then into the pot with everything else, that it?

Gloomtastic!

Coillte_Bhoy wrote: »

Finally got a slow cooker, want to make a curry, got some stewing beef, onions, garlic, ginger, tomatoes, peppers, and a pataks paste jar. I presume i just fry off onions, garlic, ginger, then into the pot with everything else, that it?

You could brown the beef first in the frying pan, put it it the slow cooker then fry off the veg etc. Should add a bit of flavour.

Coillte_Bhoy

Gloomtastic! wrote: »

You could brown the beef first in the frying pan, put it it the slow cooker then fry off the veg etc. Should add a bit of flavour.

Ya god point but too late now, everything is in the pot read to go but do i need to add any water, stock etc?

Gloomtastic!

Coillte_Bhoy wrote: »

Ya god point but too late now, everything is in the pot read to go but do i need to add any water, stock etc?

If it’s on low I reckon you should be ok without water. Won’t harm it if you’re serving with rice, just a bit mind.

Coillte_Bhoy

Gloomtastic! wrote: »

If it’s on low I reckon you should be ok without water. Won’t harm it if you’re serving with rice, just a bit mind.

Ill be doing it on high as id like to have it before midnight

barneygumble99

I’d get a stock cube and melt it in a small cup of boiling water and throw that over it in the slow cooker.

LimeFruitGum

Chana masala curry is a nice veggie option. All those tasty spices after a six hour slow cook, nyommmm.

CWone

Hi all
Looking to buy a slow cooker was thinking of buying the James Martin one - does anyone have any recommendations / best prices is it wotth paying extra money review of all of them seem to have at least a few bad reviews! Wanted one that i can use the inner pot on the hob for searing. Any advice would be much appreciated.

Caranica

CWone wrote: »

Hi all
Looking to buy a slow cooker was thinking of buying the James Martin one - does anyone have any recommendations / best prices is it wotth paying extra money review of all of them seem to have at least a few bad reviews! Wanted one that i can use the inner pot on the hob for searing. Any advice would be much appreciated.

Keep an eye on instant pot prices on Amazon. I got mine for £59. Slow cooker plus pressure cooker plus rice cooker plus yoghurt maker... All in one. Has a saute mode so no need for hob, it's all built in.

ellejay

CWone wrote: »

Hi all
Looking to buy a slow cooker was thinking of buying the James Martin one - does anyone have any recommendations / best prices is it wotth paying extra money review of all of them seem to have at least a few bad reviews! Wanted one that i can use the inner pot on the hob for searing. Any advice would be much appreciated.

Sorry I don't know if any of the pots can be used on the hob.
My sl has warnings on it to be very careful not to drop water or liquid inside so I definitely couldn't use it on stove top.

I have the crocpot brand slow cooker, large size.
It has three temps, low, high and simmer.
Make sure your sl will be big enough to batch cook and fit a chicken.

A friend got a sl in Aldi about two years ago and it has a timer on it, which is very handy.
Lidl were selling sl's last Thursday when I was there but I didn't look too closely at them.

cee_jay

Morphy Richards Sear and Stew slow cooker has an inner pot that can be used on the hob. I have it and it works - which is pretty much all you can say about a slow cooker! I wouldn't spend big money on one.

FrankN1

Are chicken wings any use in the slow cooker?

Gloomtastic!

FrankN1 wrote: »

Are chicken wings any use in the slow cooker?

You could start them off in the slow cooker and then finish them in a hot oven to crispen the skin a bit.

Garlinge

Referring back to early post about stew beef with vegs and q as to need for extra liquid. You will be surprised at how much liquid comes out of the veg and very little moisture escapes. You may need to thicken at end so bit of cornflour mixed to a paste in small bit of water added to hot pot at end should be enough to 'thicken' and make nice sauce.

heldel00

The aul reliable - beef and guiness stew in for today's dinner. Can of Guinness the only liquid

CWone

Caranica wrote: »

Keep an eye on instant pot prices on Amazon. I got mine for £59. Slow cooker plus pressure cooker plus rice cooker plus yoghurt maker... All in one. Has a saute mode so no need for hob, it's all built in.

Thanks a mil i will look that up sounds like a really good price

CWone

ellejay wrote: »

Sorry I don't know if any of the pots can be used on the hob.
My sl has warnings on it to be very careful not to drop water or liquid inside so I definitely couldn't use it on stove top.

I have the crocpot brand slow cooker, large size.
It has three temps, low, high and simmer.
Make sure your sl will be big enough to batch cook and fit a chicken.

A friend got a sl in Aldi about two years ago and it has a timer on it, which is very handy.
Lidl were selling sl's last Thursday when I was there but I didn't look too closely at them.[/QUOTE

Ah thanks for that info. I just missed the Lidl one.

CWone

cee_jay wrote: »

Morphy Richards Sear and Stew slow cooker has an inner pot that can be used on the hob. I have it and it works - which is pretty much all you can say about a slow cooker! I wouldn't spend big money on one.

Thanks for the recommendation - I agree about not spending too much its crazy the price differences between the brands.

barneygumble99

FrankN1 wrote: »

Are chicken wings any use in the slow cooker?

Boneless chicken thighs in the slow cooker cannot be beaten, bit of bbq sauce , marinate them for an hour beforehand. Yum.

barneygumble99

Some dinners I’ve done in the slow cooker over the last 12 months. Pretty much all the same, place meat on a bed of carrots, add some stock and a small bit of water/seasoning/spices and walk away. 3.5 litre slow cooker

Chicken

https://ibb.co/SwysGDx
https://ibb.co/xJvc0SJ
https://ibb.co/QPfYmGM
https://ibb.co/xzX6wzd
https://ibb.co/smnQrJF

Half leg of lamb

https://ibb.co/gTty5Xt
https://ibb.co/ZXKTC86
https://ibb.co/DVdzqnn

Boned and rolled shoulder of lamb

https://ibb.co/Ry348pG
https://ibb.co/FX5TY9D
https://ibb.co/dbmLdTp
https://ibb.co/6wCJR5m
https://ibb.co/thGDYgR
https://ibb.co/ssMVM66

Duck, bit big for SC, too much waste, never again

https://ibb.co/B4Q3dSx
https://ibb.co/PFjW2nq
https://ibb.co/J71WvjC
https://ibb.co/mG0m54w
https://ibb.co/KbDjVJt

Housekeepers cut

https://ibb.co/178p0C2
https://ibb.co/TrBWwrQ
https://ibb.co/hFJPrm5

tmh106

barneygumble99 wrote: »

Some dinners I’ve done in the slow cooker over the last 12 months. Pretty much all the same, place meat on a bed of carrots, add some stock and a small bit of water/seasoning/spices and walk away. 3.5 litre slow cooker

Thanks. Would you do them all again? Curious as to whether some worked particularly well on slow cooker and some no so much? Duck seems to be in latter category.

barneygumble99

tmh106 wrote: »

Thanks. Would you do them all again? Curious as to whether some worked particularly well on slow cooker and some no so much? Duck seems to be in latter category.

They all worked well except the duck. The duck was nice but it barely fitted into the slow cooker and it took ages to trim it up afterwards and only enough for two people. Better off buying the pre cut duck breasts for the oven. Very greasy too.

Bacon/ham is gorgeous from the slow cooker. I’ve done it loads of times. The carrots are perfectly cooked after 8 hours on low, I usually drain them and put them in with the broccoli after draining the broccoli and let them steam for a few minuets together to get rid of any excess moisture. General rule of thumb is 8 hours low or 4 hours high. I usually start on high for one hour and then low for 7.5 hours. Normally put them in the oven for half an hour to brown the meat/skin or with the bacon, I put glaze on it.

Most importantly though after the oven, let the meat rest on a plate under tin foil for at least 30 minutes or it can be too tender to cut without breaking up. I never sear any cuts on the pan first. Just straight into the cooker on a bed of carrots with a knorr stock pot. The stock from the whole chicken makes great gravy whilst chicken is in the oven. Or you can make soup out of it. The leftover water off red meats tend to be fatty.

Kat1170

I find broccoli very bitter from the slow cooker. Much prefer to cook it separately.

barneygumble99

Kat1170 wrote: »

I find broccoli very bitter from the slow cooker. Much prefer to cook it separately.

I never do broccoli in the slow cooker, just saucepan. I’ve only ever done carrots and they are perfect even after 8 hours on low. What I was saying is when you’ve drained the broccoli, add the carrots to the saucepan to dry up some of the moisture.

Bacon
https://ibb.co/k606f9p

tangy

Microwave works well for broccoli - stops it getting wet and you get a vivid green colour

tmh106

tangy wrote: »

Microwave works well for broccoli - stops it getting wet and you get a vivid green colour

How do you microwave it?

tangy

tmh106 wrote: »

How do you microwave it?

Put the cut florets stalk down in a Pyrex dish with a small amount of water and cover (if you pick the right size bowl the florets will prop each other up). Our microwave manual suggests 6-8 minutes on High for 450g broccoli, but we have a lot less than that so I check after about 3 minutes and guess how much longer.

shtpEdthePlum

I have a cast iron dutch oven (no enamel) which seems to be different to what most people use, Le Creuse etc. It requires treating with oil and you bake it to maintain the glaze. I wanted it to double up as outdoor crockery for camping, which it will definitely be ideal for.

I tried slow cooking ribs for a few hours in it the first time I used it, and it got so hot that they completely burned to the sides and it took days to get all the burn off. Lovely! I've never burned anything before in my entire life so i was actually fairly devastated!!

I've since made one of the most delicious stews I've ever eaten, but that was on the hob. I'm not sure if inside the oven is just too hot for it (min 140). Does anyone else have a cast iron; any tips? I don't want to use tomatoes or lemon in the recipes because the acidity absorbs the metallic flavour from the iron.



I'm very intimidated by this yoke tbh

Garlinge

I am only one who eats broccoli in my house and have always done in microwave, break into florets and chop stalk then put in one of those microwave pots with a lid on it ... or just a bowl with a saucer will do. 2 mins for one portion and no water added.