What is a Slow Cooker?

What is a slow cooker? Well, it sure does sound ‘ancient’ to start with, but the device is of great application. But first, we need to travel back in time to know a bit more about the origins of the slow cooker. Quite an interesting story, one might say, as the idea popped up in an attempt to prepare the traditional Jewish stew called Cholent. It was an engineer named Naxon who wanted to recreate the conventional recipe, sans the long hours of preparation it took. To be precise, this was his mother’s recipe, and it took almost half a day or longer to prepare. So, Naxon decided to take things into his own hands and invent an appliance that could cut down the cooking time for lengthy recipes yet maintaining its essence intact. But, what can I cook in my slow cooker? More on that, after we have discussed the basic working of the device. 

what is a slow cooker

It was in the 1940s that America was seduced by the idea of the all-new slow cooker. This was basically because the women had just started stepping outside the home for work and had to juggle housework too. This called for a ‘method’ that allowed them to stew up a meal before they went out and come home to a prepared dish. This way, you could utilize your hours of absence from home to get a dish done and not slave-away once you got home. What is a slow cooker used for? A lot more than one anticipated. As the design of the slow cooker is its USP, it goes a long way in its relevance even today. 

Patented in the year 1940 and acquired by ‘The Rival company’ from Naxon, the slow cooker went into mass-production. The brand new Slow cooker was Christened into ‘Crock-pot’ and has undergone various vital changes since then. 

The design is a cooking pot that can heat up. But the sophistication of the invention includes an electrical unit that features a heating element either on all sides or at the bottom. Commonly, you can relate the design to a simple heating plate with a pot on top of it. However, coming back to the slow cooker design, it comprises a lid made of glass or Ceramic. The lid is a ‘seal-deal’ to create a low-pressure to retain the moisture within the design. So, when wondering about, what can you cook in a slow cooker? There’s plenty in the menu, but more on that further in the article. But, what about power consumption? Well, it is much lower as compared to your average oven. Surprised? Don’t be, as this is because the appliance is engineered in a way to switch On and Off as and when a specific temperature is attained. This way, only a required amount of power is utilized, and you end up with a delicious meal at the end of it all. 

What Can You Cook In A Slow Cooker?

The kind of recipe that one can manage in a slow cooker greatly depends upon its cooking style. The appliance is ‘gentle’ on the food, ensuring enough time for it to stew in its natural flavours. The best part is that it utilizes the natural moisture of the ingredients to cook, thus maintaining the consistency of the preparation just as it should be. This way, you can easily prepare the sauces, soups, and stews without compromising on the tradition of taste. So when wondering about what to cook in a slow cooker? There’s plenty to choose from, especially since the latest designs are compatible with various modern recipes. 

The best part about the appliance is the fact that you can choose from the range of low to high-temperature options. However, it is recommended to opt for the lower range for best results. Some of the top preparations that you can consider in a slow cooker are:

Chocolate Brownies: Delicious with just the right amount of ‘gooeyness’ to savour. 

Lasagna: Very much like the one that Granny made in her traditional oven. Still, wondering about what to make in a slow cooker?

Chicken Curry: Dint think we could let go of this beauty, did we? Soft, tender, and just as juicy. 

Taco: Now, this is a surprise. You can very well manage the Taco in a slow cooker and have the taste intact as well. So, when wondering about what can I cook in a slow cooker? Now you got your options for the perfect meal. 

What Is The Best Slow Cooker?

Well, that is going to be a tough one to answer, but here are our top picks considering some of the finest features of each:
For large families: Lakeland 3.5L Slow cooker
Best within Budget: Russell Hobbs Chalkboard Slow cooker 3.5L
Best Digital Slow cooker: Crock-Pot CSC026 DuraCeramic Digital Saute Slow cooker
Best for Multifunctional use: Sage The Fast, slow pro
These were just a few suggestions, but be sure to do your research likewise. However, most people believe that a slow cooker is a limited appliance, which is far from the truth. Nevertheless, the Slow Cooker is a no-fuss appliance that goes a long way in serving you right. The best part is that you no longer have to slave away as you stew your food for long hours. Let us examine some of the advantages of a slow cooker:

The Benefits Of A Slow Cooker

  • This is a one-step process that eliminates cooking time and energy.
  • Placing a slow cooker also helps save space, especially for dorm or student-oriented lodging.
  • Is applicable for a wide variety of recipes and can be used for various preparations.
  • Is best for tenderizing meat pieces.
  • It is perhaps the best method to retain flavours within a recipe and contain the moisture.
  •  The slow cooker conserves electricity and saves power.
  • What can you make in a slow cooker? Plenty, especially some of the best in soups.

What Is A Slow Cooker?: The Conclusion

A slow cooker is not what it sounds like. This is a smart appliance for a smart home, where flavours and nutrition are favoured. Also, it is the best when it comes to single-living or a confined spaces. What’s more? A slow cooker is perfect for those long, cold nights when all you desire is a hot bowl of steaming soup.

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