In my slow cooker today...

Aeshna

Aeshna wrote: »

My OH got me what I wanted for xmas - a slow cooker! And I have to say, I absolutely love it! First couple of attempts could have been better, although they were still delicious, but I'm learning on the go! One thing I did find was that I was using far too much liquid so the gravy was far too runny, but I've sorted that one out now!

Anyhow, my reason for posting is to ask whether anyone has had any kind of success with throwing pasta or rice in with their meat/veg in the slow cooker. I have been searching the net and have found some differing opinions on this. I wanted to make spag bol tomorrow - it'll go on at around 8.30am, cooking on low till around 4pm - ideally I'd love to have the pasta in with the meal, as my little one will want to eat before I get home - she's quite capable, but at the age of 12 I'd rather she wasn't boiling up a pan of water to cook pasta unsupervised. Someone suggested that if the pasta was just popped in for the last half hour, it would cook fine and not end up too soggy. What do you think?

Aeshna x

Sorry, but this is a shameless bump as I'm still looking for feedback from those who know!! Any thoughts on the pasta/rice issue anyone?

Aeshna x

Olliebeak

Aeshna wrote: »

Sorry, but this is a shameless bump as I'm still looking for feedback from those who know!! Any thoughts on the pasta/rice issue anyone?

Aeshna x

Something I've never tried Aeshna - sorry. I've heard varying reports of slimey, overcooked pasta to uncooked rice - so never wanted to risk it. Maybe somebody who's had success will post at what stage they put pasta/rice in the dish.

Diced turkey thigh, onions, mixed peppers, mushrooms, kidney beans, chopped tinned toms, paprika, cayenne, mixed herbs in mine today served with tri-colour pasta and a good shake of sweet chilli sauce on the top! Very scrummy !!!

Wickedkitten

I made a vindaloo in ours yesterday. Popped all of the things on before we went out and by the time we got back it was smelling gooooood.

We have about enough to last a week.

Cat_Addict

The remains of the carrot and swede I did last night. I'm trying to get enough motivation to go wash it out and stick the chicken carcass in it LOL!! But heck it's early in the morning for that sort of thing .....

Penelope_Penguin

Aeshna wrote: »

Anyhow, my reason for posting is to ask whether anyone has had any kind of success with throwing pasta or rice in with their meat/veg in the slow cooker.

What you can do, is put in a handful of rice or pasta to act as a thickener

What you can't do is to add your whole servings of pasta or rice. When you cook them in water, they release starch, whcih is discarded as you drain them. If you put theat amount of starch into your casserole, it will be inedible :eek:

What I do, sometimes, is to put the pan of cold water on the hob, and weigh out the pasta/rice before I leave for work. I then call the children as I leave, and they boil the water, add the pasta/rice, and turn the heat down. They then keep an eye on it until I'm home to drain it.

HTH, Penny. x

flatmouse

SC is having a well-earned rest today! After the deliciousness of Friday's Thai Green Curry, on Saturday it worked very hard making French Onion Soup (also delicious) and yesterday stuffed peppers - yum!!

Thinking ahead to this week... was debating a version of coq au vin one day, i definitely want to try making chowder another day...and will continue to monitor this thread for other ideas!

elizabunny

Hi everyone! In mine today Braising Steak, 2 Onions, 3 Carrots, Quarter Swede, Quarter Celeriac, 2 sticks Celery, 2 Cloves Garlic, some mixed Herbs, Spices, Grating of Root Ginger, Tomato Paste and about 1 pint water -I'm making Curry:j I hope:rotfl: :rotfl:

kassey

Oxtail in mine today , It smells devine.

Shelley3774

Hi everyone hope you don't mind me butting in but after stumbling across this thread I went out and bought a slow cooker today. I think it will be really handy for us as a very busy family. I can't wait to try it out now
Is there a thread with just the recipes on?
Thanks

trying-very-trying

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