Praise be to whoever invented the slow cooker. Forget about all that time you spent staring into your freezer, searching for something to cook at 6pm, and that mad rush to get dinner on the table after finishing work late.
The ease of popping something on when you leave in the morning and coming home to it sizzling away is the new big thing – and we’re firmly on board.
So, dust off that slow cooker and put some of our favourite feasts to the test with these recipes from Women’s Weekly Food. We promise you won’t be disappointed!
How to use a slow cooker
Slow cookers may seem high-tech, but they’re actually incredible simple to use.
All you have to do is plug it in, add each of the ingredients your recipe requires, then set the cooker’s temperature and timer… and you’re done!
The idea is to leave the cooker alone to do its thing for several hours and you’ll come back to a tender, perfectly cooked meal.
Slow cooker vs pressure cooker
Though they look similar, there’s a big difference between a slow cooker and a pressure cooker.
Slow cookers are designed to cook food gently and for a long time, hence the “slow” in its name. The idea is that you put all the ingredients in the cooker then leave it for several hours to do its job.
Pressure cookers, on the other hand, cook your food at temperatures higher than the normal boiling point and, because of the pressure, are able to cook much quicker.
Slow cookers may seem high-tech, but they’re actually incredible simple to use.
(Image: Getty)What can’t you cook in a slow cooker?
Though they’re super versatile, there are some things you should leave out of your slow cooker. Ingredients to avoid include:
Lean, tender cuts of meat – they become dry and tough
Meat with skin left on – they end up soggy
Too much liquid – your dish may end up watery and bland
Delicate vegetables – they can turn soft and gooey
Fresh herbs and spices – add these at the end to preserve the full flavour, or use dried options
Milk and cream – these can split or cudle in a slow cooker, add them at the end
Alcohol – slow cookers don’t get hot enough to boil away the alcohol, so simmer them in a pan to reduce them first
Seafood – most fish turn out grainy and dry
Pasta – pasta is easy to overcook and end up gluggy, so cook it separately and add it at the end
Rice – as above, it’s best to add at the end
Frozen food – what’s the point? You also run the risk of food poisoning as the food won’t heat at a high, consistent temperature
Top 10 slow cooker recipes
Slow cooker Mexican beef chilli mole
Slow-cooked Mexican beef chilli mole
This traditional Mexican meat dish, where chocolate, chilli and beef are combined in a delicious, hearty casserole, is even more flavoursome in this gorgeous version of the recipe made in a slow cooker.
Shredded Mexican chicken and beans
Shredded Mexican chicken and beans
The delicious combination of tender shredded chicken and slow cooked beans makes this slow cooker Mexican dish absolutely delicious. Enjoy it warm for a family weeknight dinner.
Slow-cooked beef rib bourguignon
Slow-cooked beef rib bourguignon
The addition of tender beef ribs in this traditional French dish brings a wonderful flavour and texture to the classic beef bourguignon. Serve it straight out of the slow cooker with a side of mashed potato or crusty bread.
Red pork with lychee curry
Red pork with lychee curry
This hearty red pork and lychee curry is perfect for any night of the week- delicious and satisfying.
Spicy Eggplant And Tomato Stew
Sun-dried tomato and balsamic lamb stew
Sun-dried tomato and balsamic lamb stew
Chunky bits of lamb sit in a nourishing stew with hints of fresh thyme and basil to cut through the richness. This is winter comfort food at its hearty best.
Moroccan chickpea stew
Moroccan chickpea stew
Chock full of veggies and tender chickpeas, this rich Moroccan-inspired stew is packed with nutrients and the best cold-busting remedy for winter nights.
Slow cooker coq au vin
Slow cooker coq au vin
This traditional French chicken, bacon and mushroom stew is made even more flavoursome when cooked overnight in a slow cooker. Just breathe in and smell the aromas.
Women’s Weekly Food: Slow Cooker Lamb Shanks
Beef and vegetable soup
Beef and vegetable soup
Warm up the family with this hearty beef and vegetable soup on a cold winter’s night.
Lamb shanks and eggplant stew
Lamb shanks and eggplant stew
Nourish your family with this delicious lamb shank and eggplant stew.
