slow cooker quick questions thread

mandy_moo_1

i've just dusted off my SC after reading some of these threads again....feeling all inspirational now lol!!

Anyway at 9am i put some sliced carrots, leek and diced shin beef in, with a glass of red wine that had been hiding at the back of the cupboard, and about 1/2 pint beef stock, a couple of bay leaves and some mixed herbs, and put it on low

i can remember banishing the SC to the back of the cupboard cos nothing ever came out "right" so do you think i've done everything right?

Also....what other herbs can i use with beef as i always seem to fall back on mixed herbs, and i want it to taste a bit different sometimes!

Bongedone

Thyme goes well with beef.

Your recipe sounds good. You did not mention salt and pepper, I presume you have those or did you use a stock cube?

I would maybe think about adding garlic. You can add more depth to the sauce by adding a tablespoon of tomato puree.

You may also want to thicken it later.

mandy_moo_1

hi thanks for your reply....yes i did add salt and pepper...didn't think of garlic so might sneak a bit in now lol!! and a squeeze of tom puree!! thanx hun x

emmie1234

Hi Everyone!

I've got a quick slow cooker question! After reading all the threads on here, I decided to get some lentils to bulk our meals out a bit :A

I'm doing a chilli today in the SC and just wondering how much water I should be adding to the pot.

This is what I've added so far...

300gr minced beef
couple of handfuls of red lentils
chopped and diced large onion
tin of tomatoes
dollop of tomato puree
tsp of chilli powder
tsp of cumin
tsp of paprika
2 oxo cubes
1/2 can of kidney beans
a chopped green pepper
bit of salt and pepper
splash of worcester sauce

threw everything in the slowcoker then added the lentils last, mixed it all up and it looked a bit thick, so added a mug of water. Is this enough or should I add more to allow for the lentils "bulking" out

I'm cooking it on high, as we want it for tea later!

Sorry if this needs to be added to another thread.

Many Thanks

Em

Olliebeak

I'd leave it as is for now and keep an eye on it. You can always add a bit more water/stock later - but can't take it out if there's too much.

When you're experimenting with recipes it's useful to write down what you did and then afterwards, you can put if you thought it worked or not, and make notes as to what you think may have 'been missing'.

I'm lucky in that I work from home, though not always in the house for long periods of time.

It's very rare for me to have to leave a SC unattended for more than an hour or so, and I think there's only been 2 occasions where I've gone out and left it all day to do it's own thing.

emmie1234

Thanks OllieBeak, will do that. I'm a SAHM so will be able to keep an eye on it today. I only usually use the SC for casseroles and stews, and I don't mind going out and leaving things like that on the go as I've made them so many times; but doing a chilli in the SC is a bit "new" to me lol as it's a bit thicker, esp with using lentils for the first time! I really want to try and get more use out of it, especially with autumn/winter approaching; as it frees more of my time up for getting other stuff done round the house

Many Thanks! It smells delish as its cooking!!

Katie-Kat-Kins

I can barely contain my excitement, my first slow cooker has been delivered! Can't wait to try it out! Feel like I can become a real part of the O/S board once I'm using a SC rather than just being a lightweight using lentils to bulk stuff out!!! I'll be buying white vinegar and bicarb soon! :rotfl:

The SC was a wedding present so I put it on the list months ago and am only just getting it, the anticipation has been killing me!

Trouble is I won't be able to try it out until sunday as by the time I get home from work tonight it will be too late and we're having a party tomorrow evening.

So any tips for a newbie???

Pink.

Hi emmie,

As you've had an answer to your question I'll add your post to the slow cookers quick questions thread as your query may be helpful to others.

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GVP_2

We got a slow cooker as an Xmas present last year, and at first I wasn't impressed (what a rubbish gift I thought!). Now though, I love it.

I really noticed how we saved money on our food bill from it as well, as we could use cheaper cuts of meat than we could if cooking a normal way, yet still get great results.

Pink.

Hi KatP,

If you have a look though The Complete Slow Cooker Collection you should find lots of useful links to threads with tips and advice on using a slow cooker.

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