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Original poster

Have decided to embrace Autumn and purchase a slow cooker, now tell me your favourite recipes

294 replies

Katyathegringa · 06/09/2010 17:07

I know there are loads of sites out there on the internet but I would appreciate some recommendations on the best slow cooker recipes/tips.

OP posts:
deemented · 14/09/2010 07:15

TBH, i only got the bigger one because i do a lot of batch cooking and i can do loads in it. The 3.5l one i had did suit us fine - we'd get a full dinner out of it for manshape, ds2, dd and i, but there was never enough left over to freeze. With the big one i can get enough for a good meal for all of us, as well as another genorously portioned meal nfor us to freeze - and ifi'm only making spag bol or chilli, i can get maybe enough for two meals in it. And the big one is more oval in shape which meant i can get chickens in it whereas the smaller one is more rounded, like a pot and i couldn't lay a chicken in it iyswim?

TBH if i were you, i'd probably invest in one of the 3ltr ones from Asda that they have on offer for £7 at the moment, and see how you get on with it. If you find that it's not big enough for what you need, then you've not really lost much and could always use the small one for porridge or rice puds ect.

TitsalinaBumSquash · 14/09/2010 07:17

I did a whole joint in mine for the first time the other day, it was horrid, really tasted funny. I popped the beef in with a splash of Red Wine and some basic 'Stock' Veg, it wasn't lovely and meltingly tender either... I think i cooked it to long. It was a wasted bit of good Beef from the Butcher. Sad

However, i use my Slow cooket to make a lovely Curry with Chicken thighs. Smile

NormaSknockers · 14/09/2010 07:28

Trouble is deemented the nearest Asda is well over half an hours drive away so byt the time I've driven there & back it won't have been worth it. Plus I can't really justify buying one to see if I like it then buying another so I need to buy one or the other really.....hhhmmmm decisions, decisions.

But if I bought the 6.5 litre one it wouldn't matter if I didn't fill it to capcity? I'm just think that the majority of the time it will be just the average sized meal but other times it will be for more when we have people over for dinner etc.

deemented · 14/09/2010 07:47

In that case go for the bigger one. You don't have to fill to capacity.

NormaSknockers · 14/09/2010 07:50

I'll grab that one the, I was just worried if I bought a big one it would ruin the food if it only had a little bit in there if that makes sense?

janeyjampot · 14/09/2010 08:06

Is it worth buying a slow cooker if you're a vegetarian?

NormaSknockers · 14/09/2010 09:59

I changed my mind Blush I'm getting the half price RH 3.5 litre one!

janey there's another thread going with veggie recipes, hold on will find it for you....

NormaSknockers · 14/09/2010 10:04

Here you go janey there's also this link for veggie recipes :)

NormaSknockers · 14/09/2010 10:06

For things like spag bol is it ok to just plonk in a jar of ragu with the mince etc?

Lemonylemon · 14/09/2010 10:07

Sausage & lentil casserole is brilliant - and you don't need to brown anything either - just bung it all in.... Its a big hit with the Lemon kids....

weegiemum · 14/09/2010 10:09

Chicken Pesto

8 Chicken thighs or other bits of chicken, wrapped in bacon if you like
Onions
Half a jar of pesto
Chicken stock
splash of white wine.

Put in and cook for 4 hours or so on "high"

Sausage casserole

Lots of onions
Interesting Sausages
Bacon lardons
Mushrooms

Cook for 4-5 hours. You can brown off first if you like but it doesn't make much difference as far as we are concerned.

Gammon in Coke.

Joint of gammon
2 onions, peeled and quartered
SOme Cola

Put cola and gammon in slow cooker, surround with onion bits, cook 4-5 hours. Yum.

janeyjampot · 14/09/2010 10:11

Thank you Norma. Definitely worth looking into Smile

weegiemum · 14/09/2010 10:12

Also Chickpea Casserole.

3 peppers, chopped
2 onions, chopped
2 cans chickpeas
Juice of 1 lemon
1" ginger, crushed
2 cloves garlic, crushed
Small amount of chilli
Some turmeric
Some coriander leaves.

Stew in slow cooker for 6 hours. Serve with Pitta and rice.

NormaSknockers · 14/09/2010 10:18

Mmmmm that gammon one sounds lovely!

deemented · 14/09/2010 14:37

Norma - WRT Ragu - yes, i just put my browned mince in, a few chopped up onions, some bacon chopped up, some garlic paste, a tin of chopped tomatoes and a jar of dolmio, then i leave to simmer on low for about 6 hours.

NormaSknockers · 14/09/2010 14:53

That sounds delicious dee thank you! H has just got home with my lurvely new SC & I am stupidly excited Blush

deemented · 14/09/2010 14:59

I'm excited for you! Blush

Do let us know how you get on, won't you?

NormaSknockers · 14/09/2010 15:00

I will, we're having the in laws over on Friday so plan to make a spag bol in it Grin

maria1665 · 14/09/2010 15:15

After a night of disturbed sleep, I have just returned bleary eyed from play centre, carrying exhausted toddler (cause of disturbed sleep) and wondered what the smell was. Then I remember - I put a curry in the slow cooker this morning. Result!

Slow cooking is the best. There is nothing worse than throwing together a meal at five o'clock, with bedlam going on around you, knowing full well that you'll be too tired to eat it. Do it first thing in the morning when Cebeebies is still fresh and exciting, and you've actually got some energy and head space.

Love the tip re caramalised onions, instead of pre frying.

BKD · 14/09/2010 15:19

oo-er. I was only thinking about buying a slow cooker yesterday and this thread has me sold on the idea. Perfect for juggling work/study/2 young kids/a kitchen phobic DH and my love of cooking Smile. Off to asda i go!

DameGladys · 14/09/2010 15:20

Just got a 3.5 litre one for £7 in Asda.

Thought it was worth a try to see if I actually use it.

DameGladys · 14/09/2010 15:21

oops must read thread - already mentioned

choccyfiend78 · 14/09/2010 15:33

I have a slow cooker at home and have been thinking about using it more often. I have a recipe for mince with dumplings for the hob and am trying to adapt it but my question is when it comes to doing the dumplings can i stick them on top of the mince in the slow cooker and if so how long will they take if it is 20 minutes on the top?

chimchar · 14/09/2010 15:48

i so love this thread....almost as much as i love my slow cooker! Grin

have just got in now to the lusherest smell...flacid knob casserole. looks yum, hope it tastes ok...just stuck in some sausages (didnt have time to brown them) pepper, onions, cherry toms, tomato paste and a touch of water...a bit too much actually, have had to thicken it with some flour. am going to add a tin of beans soon, and voila...cowboy casserole! hope the kids like it.

oh girls, can we consider ourselves in a small mn "quiche"?? i've never been in a mn gang before....

mummylin2495 · 14/09/2010 16:04

yes you can cook the dumplings in the SC.when i do a beef stew i just put them in for the last 20 mins or so.Its great looking through the glass lid and seeing them getting bigger.