Using a Slow Cooker (Newbie)

Pollycat

Nargleblast wrote: »

Ok, each according to the instructions of their particular model. I can happily report though, mine is a Crockpot ("The original slow cooker") and it has not cracked or suffered in any way through being heated whilst empty. I suppose you could put a little water in the bottom to appease the manufacturers.

But what does the instructions of your specific slow cooker say about heating an empty pot?
Just pointing out that what you do with your pot may result in issues for other people.
My advice is:
read the instruction booklet.
Because saying some random on t'interweb said it was OK isn't going to cut it if your slow cooker is bu&&ered.

Pollycat

balabooberlies wrote: »

Okay, it's a very old Russell Hobbs 3 litre (model 4435). I love it because the pan is ceramic so finishing it in the oven was possible.

I put 6 sausages with carrots, parsnips, green beans, cannelloni beans....... and 2 tins of tomatoes. The idea being that this would last a couple of days for 2 adults. Also, stick of celery and an onion. I know I put too much in. And I only gave it 4 hours on high. Obviously my mind does not understand the concept of 'slow'. Other than the mistake with the nutmeg (won't be using that again) had I had more knowledge I might have made a success of it. Not too worried as I am more excited at the prospect of mastering this and ridding myself of the habit of making everything with tomatoes !

Thank you for advice on pulses.

How full was the pot?
I've looked at my 2 instruction booklets and there isn't a similar recipe but the small one says (for example) braised brisket of beef with veg (3lb joint) with carrots takes 3-5 hours on HIGH and 6-8 hours on LOW.

The larger one says Irish stew (onions, carrots, parsnips, carrots, potatoes - so lots of root veg that take longer to cook) MEDIUM 5-8 hours which equates to 8-10 hours on LOW and 4-6 hours on HIGH.

So was it the carrots & parsnips that weren't cooked?

I put potatoes, carrots, swede, onion & chunks of beef in with stock and I'd cook that for 7-8 hours on LOW in my small one.
Ditto for goulash with pork or chicken, tin of tomatoes, bit of extra stock, mushrooms, onions & peppers and finish with creme fraiche stirred in.
I tend to use the LOW setting for everything.

Do you have an instruction booklet?
You might find one with Google.

Have you Googled for recipes?

https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/collection/slow-cooker

And I think there's a thread on here with recipes.

I do a sausage casserole in the oven, cooking the sausages first and adding mushrooms, peppers, tins of tomatoes and a variety of tinned beans. It freezes well and doesn't take a lot of prep.


ETA - you might find some ideas from this thread:

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6043051/whats-in-your-slow-cooker-2019

balabooberlies

Thank you Polly
Yes carrots and parsnips not cooked. Have to cut them thinner next time. Ditto onions and celery.
Also, probably checked and stirred too many times.
But all of this I have learnt off here so grateful for all the advice.

Mwah (big kiss )

;-)

Pollycat

balabooberlies wrote: »

Thank you Polly
Yes carrots and parsnips not cooked. Have to cut them thinner next time. Ditto onions and celery.
Also, probably checked and stirred too many times.
But all of this I have learnt off here so grateful for all the advice.

Mwah (big kiss )

;-)

Did you keep taking the lid off?

That's a big no-no with slow cookers, it takes a while for it to get back to temperature.

An elderly friend bought a slow cooker after seeing mine full of meat & veg.
He complained that the food wasn't cooked.
He did admit that he took the lid off 'a few times just to check'.

Anyway, I sent him off with strict instructions to leave the lid in place.
The following week, he's back with the same complaint.
So we set both identical cookers off in my house with the same veg, same meat, same amount of stock.
8 hours later, I had a lovely stew.
He had a dish full of raw veg.
I left it on for 3 days and it still wasn't cooked. :eek:

So it was returned to Argos and replaced.
Are you sure it is working as it should?

I cut my carrots, potatoes, swede etc into .5 to 1cm thick.
How does that compare?

I'm just about to prep dinner in mine.
Diced beef, finely diced mushrooms, onions & potatoes and of course stock, herbs and a bay leaf.
It will be the base for a shortcrust pastry pie and I'll pop a bit of stilton in before putting the top on.
It will be yummy.
There'll be enough to freeze for another day.