Would you like to adjust your favourite recipes for your slow cooker or pressure cooker? It’s easier than you think! With these simple steps, and a few key recipes to test them all out on, you’re sure to find success every time.
Adjusting a recipe for the slow cooker
A whole range of stews, curries, bakes and braises can be easily adapted for the slow cooker. Follow these simple steps to ensure success.
Step 1: brown your meat
Meat will not brown in a slow cooker and needs to be browned on the stove top before being added to the recipe. This will greatly enhance the flavour, keep the meat succulent and cut down on the fat in the final dish.
Step 2: fill it correctly
Be aware that most of the heat comes from the sides of the slow cooker. To make sure everything cooks properly fill the pot between half to three-quarters full.
Step 3: adjust the liquids
In the slow cooker everything’s cooked covered at a low heat, preventing the liquid from boiling away. To avoid being left with a huge pot of sauce use around half the liquid specified in the original recipe.
Step 4: add dairy later
If the recipe calls for dairy add it in the last hour of cooking to prevent it from curdling. Evaporated milk won’t curdle and can be used at the time the recipe specifies.
Step 5: add rice and pasta last
Rice and pasta become starchy when slowly cooked, so cook them separately and add them to the pot just before serving.
A guide to times
Once you’ve followed these steps, use this handy guide to ensure you get the slow cooker conversion times right.
Original recipe Low setting High setting
40-50 minutes 6-10 hours 3-4 hours
50-60+ minutes 8-10 hours 4-5 hours
– Best Recipes.com.au
By Cassie Harrex
