Slow cooking is all the rage right now, as the sun sets sooner and the weather gets cooler. Not only does slow cooking serve up delicious meals after a long day out but it can also help you with your weekly meal prep. Meal preparations the night before, pop the slow cooker on in the morning, and then when you get home after a busy day, it’s ready to serve.
Whether you’re cooking for one or the whole family, we’re here to help you make the most out of your slow cooking.
What is slow cooking?
Slow cooking is a longer cooking process as the name would suggest; it cooks meat over several hours at a very low temperature. Slow cooking requires a special slow cooker or warming drawer to enable precision temperature control over time. It’s a beautiful yet simple cooking technique, that gently encourages flavours to emerge and combine over time. Plus, meat especially benefits from this process as it can tenderise and soften over a long duration.
Best cuts to use
For stews and casseroles, try less traditional cuts that are often over looked as they are tougher, like shin, neck and cheek. This is because they need longer to tenderise slow cooking is perfect for them. For chilli and bolognese, normal ground beef mince is perfect. Plus, if you have a large enough cooker why not try a pot roast to make your Sundays hassle free but delicious.
Stews
Why not cook up a delicious traditional Irish Stew. Perfect for putting on while you take on the day. Whether you’re walking in the countryside, looking after the kids or even a busy day at work, pop the stew on in the morning and by dinner time you have a hearty dinner.
Casseroles
This dish combines beef shin with nutritious white beans and vegetables. Served on a bed of cauliflower mash, this recipe uses a healthier, lower carb alternative to mashed potato.
Pot roast
Take the stress out of Sunday roast with a pot roast. Simply pop all the ingredients into the slow cooker and let it do its magic. Plus you can still serve it up with all the trimmings like roast potatoes, vegetables and stuffing. Delicious.
Mid-week meals in a flash
Slow cooking is ideal during the middle of the week. Prepare the ingredients and pop it on in the morning, you can return home after a busy day to a delicious dinner. Why not try quick meals and family favourites like chilli and Bolognese.
Braised beef
If you’re entertaining, then braised beef is a great recipe to wow your friends and family Plus slow cooking gives you back a little extra time to entertain your guests first and then when it’s time to open the lid, your guests will be super excited to tuck in.