A question about lentils in a slow cooker...

Olliebeak

Tete_en_l'Air wrote: »

.......I was surprised that the vegetables stayed quite crunchy - normally the leeks disappear completely but they were still quite chunky. To be honest I have to say at this stage I still prefer my soup in a pan, but it was only my first go. I will persevere.....

Did you soften the veggies in some oil in a pan before putting into the slowcooker?

I never used to do this, but have since found that it makes all the difference to the finished soup - seems to extract more flavour from them too.

I usually 'sweat' some onions along with whatever veggies I'm using plus any spices/herbs. THEN put them into the SC and add your stock (or water and stock cubes) and seasoning. Don't put too much water in though. You can always add more water - but you can't take it out.


Don't let it put you off - better luck next time .

thriftlady_2

Tete_en_l'Air wrote: »

I was surprised that the vegetables stayed quite crunchy - normally the leeks disappear completely but they were still quite chunky. To be honest I have to say at this stage I still prefer my soup in a pan, but it was only my first go. I will persevere.

Why bother? If soup in a pan works (people have been doing it that way for centuries) why try and reinvent the wheel? It is much quicker to make soup in a pan on the hob. You can make a lot and freeze it in small portions or keep it in the fridge for a few days to reheat whenever you want.

Tete_en_l'Air

Olliebeak wrote: »

Did you soften the veggies in some oil in a pan before putting into the slowcooker?

I never used to do this, but have since found that it makes all the difference to the finished soup - seems to extract more flavour from them too.

No I didn't , just chopped up the veggies and tossed them in with stock - I'll try this next time though thanks!

Tete_en_l'Air

thriftlady wrote: »

Why bother?

Just tried it because I keep hearing how good they are. Also the lure of being able to come home from work and have tea hot and ready to serve...

LandyAndy

thriftlady wrote: »

Why bother? If soup in a pan works (people have been doing it that way for centuries) why try and reinvent the wheel? It is much quicker to make soup in a pan on the hob. You can make a lot and freeze it in small portions or keep it in the fridge for a few days to reheat whenever you want.

I agree but then I think slow cookers are the biggest waste of space in a kitchen (with the possible exception of the George Foreman grill:D ).

LandyAndy

Tete_en_l'Air wrote: »

Just tried it because I keep hearing how good they are. Also the lure of being able to come home from work and have tea hot and ready to serve...

But you see for a lot of the things people make in slow cookers (stews, casseroles, curries, etc) I just prepare them the day before in a pan when I get home, let them simmer gently for a couple of hours through the evening and then let them sit in the pan overnight (developing flavour) for reheating (ten minutes) when I get home.

thriftlady_2

LandyAndy wrote: »

I agree but then I think slow cookers are the biggest waste of space in a kitchen (with the possible exception of the George Foreman grill:D ).

I like you

LandyAndy

thriftlady wrote: »

I like you

You're my mate you are.:D

Nice to see someone else with the same opinion.:beer:

Slinky

I love my slow cooker, right up there with my Panny breadmaker that I wouldn't be without.

I've just discovered the joy of red lentils. I used to get stews which were a bit watery even though I put very little liquid in. Now I bung in 2-3 tablespoons of lentils about 20 mins before I want to serve up and end of liquid problem.

IlonaRN

Help please!
I have two packets of red lentils, they look exactly the same. One says that they should be soaked before using and never ever be cooked in a slow cooker, the other says that they don't need to be soaked and can be thrown on with whatever else is cooking.
I was planning on throwing a handful in with my mince/onions/carrots to make the meat sauce for lasagne tonight. Will I kill us all if I do so?