Did You Say What Is Crockpot Cooking?

by Priyanka Sainani

We all know how hectic life can be. Finding time to cook a nutritious meal can be tough between work, errands, and social obligations. Enter the world of the crockpot, also known as a slow cooker. This humble kitchen appliance can help you prepare a delicious, healthy meal with minimal effort.

Let’s talk Crockpot.

A crockpot is a type of slow cooker that's designed for busy home cooks. It allows you to set it and forget it, as it slowly simmers your food over several hours. This is ideal for busy weeknights or when you want to come home to a hot meal without having to put in any work.

How Does It Work?

Crockpots and slow cookers work by slowly heating food at a low temperature. This allows the flavours to develop and meld together over time, resulting in a tastier final product. Additionally, if you are cooking animal proteins, they are often more tender as the food is cooked slowly over an extended period. Crockpot settings vary, but typically there is a high heat setting, which can cook dishes in as little as 4 hours, and a low heat setting, ideal for overnight or daytime cooking.

Benefits of Using a Crockpot

#1 - Set it and Forget it Convenience

One of the best things about using a crockpot is that you can set it and forget it. Simply add your ingredients to the pot, set the timer, and go about your day. No need to worry about checking on the food or stirring it occasionally - the crockpot will do all the work for you.

#2 - Affordable Meals

Another great benefit of crockpot cooking is that it is very affordable. Crockpots are ideal for cooking cheaper cuts of meat that require longer cooking times to break down the tough fibres. This type of meat is usually much more affordable than its more tender counterparts. In addition, beans and other budget-friendly ingredients can easily be cooked in a crockpot.

#3 - Hands-free Cooking

Crockpot cooking is also great for those who don’t enjoy spending much time in the kitchen. With this type of cooking, you simply add your ingredients to the pot and let the machine do its job. This leaves you free to do other things around the house or take some time for yourself.

#4 - It'll make your house smell amazing.

Don't underestimate the power of smell - it can trigger positive emotions and anticipation at the end of your day. There's nothing like coming home to the mouthwatering smell of a home-cooked meal waiting for you—and your family will love it too!

#5 - Versatile Cooking Method

One of the best things about crockpots is that they're incredibly versatile. They can be used to make recipes from hearty stews and soups to quinoa dishes and vegetable medleys. They're great for throwing together a quick and easy dinner but can also be used for breakfast, lunch, and even dessert recipes!

There are tons of recipes for breakfast staples like oatmeal and quiche that can be made in a crockpot. So whatever meal you're looking to make, chances are there's a way to make it with no hassle.

Crockpot Formula

When it comes to crockpot recipes, there is a basic formula that you can follow to ensure that your dish turns out perfectly. In general, the recipe formula for crockpot dishes is as follows:

• Add the seasoned meat or protein of your choice to the crockpot (browning optional)

• Add plenty of vegetables, cut to about the same size (even cooking)

• Pour in a sauce or broth to cover the ingredients

• Cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours

• Once you finish cooking, stir in some fresh herbs and canned beans Selecting a Recipe

There are thousands of crockpot recipes out there, so it can be tough to know where to start. When you're looking for a recipe, make sure to choose one that includes plenty of fresh, whole-food ingredients. Go for recipes that require simple, real ingredients that you can easily find at your local grocery store.

Another thing to consider when choosing a recipe is cook time. Some crockpot recipes can take eight hours or more to cook, which might not be practical if you're trying to get dinner on the table in less time. Also, if you are using dried beans, a super economical and nutritious base for meals, you may need to soak them overnight first before placing them in the crockpot with vegetables.

Here are some of my favourite easy recipes from my meal plans for hands-free cooking:

• Crockpot Chicken Cacciatore

• Vegan/ Chicken Carnitas

• Slow-cooked pulled jackfruit wraps

• Italian Herbed paneer curry

• Slow-Cooked stuffed peppers

• Slow Cooker lamb curry

• Cuban-Style Black Beans

Now that you know the basic formula and tips for preparing crockpot dishes, you can start experimenting with different ingredients and flavour combinations. The possibilities are endless! Get creative and have fun with it. Give yourself a chance to savour delicacies made at home with more love and less effort.