{"id":9826,"date":"2025-02-07T21:59:41","date_gmt":"2025-02-07T21:59:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/finderica.com\/?p=9826"},"modified":"2025-02-07T21:59:41","modified_gmt":"2025-02-07T21:59:41","slug":"how-to-save-time-money-using-a-slow-cooker","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/finderica.com\/?p=9826","title":{"rendered":"How to Save Time &#038; Money Using a Slow Cooker"},"content":{"rendered":"<div>\n<p class=\"single-meta mb-lg\">\n<p>\t\t<img alt=\"\" class=\"avatar avatar-64wp-user-avatar wp-user-avatar-64 photo lazyload ewww_webp_lazy_load\" height=\"64\" width=\"64\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.moneymagpie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/standard_icon-130x130.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.moneymagpie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/standard_icon-130x130.jpg 2x\" data-eio-rwidth=\"130\" data-eio-rheight=\"130\" src-webp=\"https:\/\/www.moneymagpie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/standard_icon-130x130.jpg.webp\" srcset-webp=\"https:\/\/www.moneymagpie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/standard_icon-130x130.jpg.webp 2x\"><img alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/www.moneymagpie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/standard_icon-130x130.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.moneymagpie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/standard_icon-130x130.jpg 2x\" class=\"avatar avatar-64wp-user-avatar wp-user-avatar-64 photo\" height=\"64\" width=\"64\" decoding=\"async\" data-eio=\"l\">\t<\/p>\n<p>\t\t<small>Moneymagpie Team<\/small><\/p>\n<p>\t<span><br \/>\n\t\t<i class=\"far fa-calendar-alt c-secondary\"><\/i> <small class=\"mr10\">7th Feb 2025<\/small><br \/>\n\t<\/span><\/p>\n<p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"span-reading-time rt-reading-time\"><span class=\"rt-label rt-prefix\">Reading Time:<\/span> <span class=\"rt-time\"> 5<\/span> <span class=\"rt-label rt-postfix\">minutes<\/span><\/span>\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n<p>How do you save time and money slow cooking?<\/p>\n<p>I\u2019ve long been a fan of slow cooking \u2013 specifically in an electric slow-cooker. You put all the ingredients in the pot at the start of the day; leave them on a low setting, and when you get home from work \u2013 voila!\u00a0 It can take a little extra planning, but the results are delicious.<\/p>\n<p>Also, it\u2019s a great method of cooking CHEAPER cuts of meat \u2013 the only way, in fact, to make them tender and meltingly succulent.<\/p>\n<p>I personally use the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Morphy-Richards-Cooker-460012-Slowcooker\/dp\/B07B6MZW9F?th=1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Morphy Richards Sear and Stew<\/a> and it has been a real game-changer. Using the metal pan creates that gorgeous flavour and rim of deliciousness that you often lose with a slow cooker. I liken it more to using a cast iron pot in flavour.<\/p>\n<p>Slow Cooking means:<\/p>\n<ul type=\"disc\">\n<li><strong>Tenderer\u00a0meat<\/strong> \u2013 as the connective tissues are broken down<\/li>\n<li><strong>More flavour<\/strong> \u2013 the seasoning becomes infused without drying<\/li>\n<li><strong>Better desserts <\/strong>\u2013 the cooking process is easier on delicate puddings<\/li>\n<li><strong>No burning or boiling<\/strong> \u2013 the food is cooked at low temperatures<\/li>\n<li><strong>Less power usage<\/strong> \u2013 the slow cooker is in continuous simmer mode<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>\u00a0<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Save Money and Energy with Slow Cooking<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Slow-Cooking saves energy on multiple kitchen appliances. You don\u2019t have to switch on the hob, oven, grill and possibly microwave all for the same recipe \u2013 everything\u2019s done in the one pot. It saves on washing up too. And CrockPot\u00a0 is proud to say it only uses the energy of a light bulb. Very green.<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Slow Cooking Tips<\/strong><\/h2>\n<h4><strong>Slow Food Tip 1: Brown the meat first<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p>I think searing or browning meat (in a separate frying pan) adds flavour and makes the meat look caramelised, not just a stewed, soggy brown. It also kills bacteria on the meat, although these will die during cooking anyway. If it makes a difference, Jamie Oliver has tested his Beef Stew with and without searing and he\u2019s now reported to cook all stews without.<\/p>\n<p>However we highly reccommend you use the<a href=\"https:\/\/www.morphyrichards.co.uk\/products\/sear-stew-oval-3-5l-slow-cooker?variant=46247382286624&amp;country=GB&amp;currency=GBP&amp;utm_medium=product_sync&amp;utm_source=google&amp;utm_content=sag_organic&amp;utm_campaign=sag_organic&amp;utm_source=google&amp;utm_medium=cpc&amp;utm_campaign=brand&amp;tw_source=google&amp;tw_adid=&amp;tw_campaign=21856254906&amp;gad_source=1&amp;gclid=Cj0KCQiA-5a9BhCBARIsACwMkJ5lr51C7Tk1RGjKtpGeW5A_q2n2eYgGM6MZlalm7zP8y9dVSUc5wmoaAgxsEALw_wcB\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> Morphy Richards Sear and Stew<\/a>. This machine is very well priced and<a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Morphy-Richards-Cooker-460012-Slowcooker\/dp\/B07B6MZW9F?th=1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> there is a smaller one for only \u00a329.99<\/a> at the moment. The inner mechanism is metal so you can use it on your hob to brown the meat and then add the pan to the slow cooker outer and use it like a regular pan. This saves on using multiple pans and allows you to keep the flavours and juices in the pan post sear.<\/p>\n<h4><strong>Slow Food Tip 2: Saut\u00e9 and season vegetables<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p>Likewise, saut\u00e9ing the vegetables with herbs and spices can add considerable flavour, but this is up to you or if the recipe suggests. You will, of course, then have an extra pan to wash up.<\/p>\n<h4><strong>Slow Food Tip 3: Cook tough meat cuts on a low heat<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p>Tougher meats like roasts or brisket need extra cooking time as they have more connective tissue. To compensate, lower the heat and increase the cooking time (one hour on a high heat usually equals two hours on low heat).<\/p>\n<h4><strong>Slow Food Tip 4: Use half the liquid<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p>Most hob or oven recipes require liquid to be added which reduces naturally during the cooking process. However, liquid doesn\u2019t escape from slow cookers so use 50% less liquid to avoid a watery dish.<\/p>\n<h4><strong>Slow Food Tip 5: Cook poultry for less<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p>While red meats take longer to tenderise in a slow cooker, chicken cooks relatively quickly. Most poultry recipes require 5-6 hours on a low heat.<\/p>\n<h4><strong>Slow Food Tip 6: Cut root vegetables into small pieces<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p>Many root vegetables (such as potatoes, carrots, and parsnips) cook even slower than meats in a slow cooker. To ensure root vegetables are cooked thoroughly, cut them into small pieces no bigger than an inch across.<\/p>\n<h4><strong>Slow Food Tip 7: Add leafy vegetables last<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p>High-moisture vegetables (like leafy greens, peppers, peas, courgettes, and squash) can become soggy, so add them in for the final 15-30 minutes of slow cooking.<\/p>\n<h4><strong>Slow Food Tip 8: Avoid lifting the lid<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p>Each time the lid is removed from the slow cooker, it adds twenty minutes to the overall cooking time! So only lift the lid to add extra ingredients or check meat towards the end.<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Slow Cooking Safety<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>As with any type of cooking, there are certain ground rules to follow, particularly with meat in order to avoid food poisoning. Here are some top slow cooking safety tips:<\/p>\n<h4><strong>Safety Tip 1: Don\u2019t overfill the slow cooker<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p>Rather than slow cook a whole roast, cut it up into small pieces to speed up the cooking process. Never fill the pot more than two-thirds full.<\/p>\n<h4><strong>Safety Tip 2: Never use frozen meat<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p>Thaw frozen meat before placing it in the slow cooker. Also defrost vegetables so as not to reduce the overall temperature.<\/p>\n<h4><strong>Safety Tip 3: Refrigerate leftovers within two hours<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p>To prevent bacteria growth in meat.<\/p>\n<p>I don\u2019t know how much meat you can eat in one sitting but I am happy with about 150g. I was going to do one lamb shank EACH for this recipe until I saw how vast they were, and decided one between two would be fine, bearing in mind 2 of my guests were children. But if you need more meat, do one shank each. The shank is the part of the lamb\u2019s leg just above the knee. It has lots of connective tissue but it becomes tender in this recipe.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Lamb Shanks in the Slow Cooker <\/strong>(serves 4)<\/h2>\n<p><strong>Ingredients:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul style=\"list-style-type: circle;\">\n<li>1 tbsp olive oil + 1tsp chilli oil if liked\n<div id=\"attachment_112543\" style=\"width: 310px\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-112543\" class=\"wp-image-112543 size-medium lazyload ewww_webp_lazy_load\" alt=\"slow cooked\" width=\"300\" height=\"199\" data-id=\"112543\" src=\"https:\/\/www.moneymagpie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/MoneyMagpie_Mutton-Lamp-Casserole-Curry.jpg\" data-eio-rwidth=\"1000\" data-eio-rheight=\"664\" src-webp=\"https:\/\/www.moneymagpie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/MoneyMagpie_Mutton-Lamp-Casserole-Curry.jpg.webp\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-112543\" class=\"wp-image-112543 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/www.moneymagpie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/MoneyMagpie_Mutton-Lamp-Casserole-Curry.jpg\" alt=\"slow cooked\" width=\"300\" height=\"199\" data-id=\"112543\" data-eio=\"l\"><\/p>\n<p id=\"caption-attachment-112543\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><sub>\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 (Image for show only)<\/sub><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li>2 lamb shanks (I used 820g total = \u00a35.73)<\/li>\n<li>1 tbsp flour<\/li>\n<li>1 onion, chopped<\/li>\n<li>3 cloves garlic, peeled and chopped<\/li>\n<li>200ml red wine<\/li>\n<li>450ml passata\/400g chopped tinned tomatoes<\/li>\n<li>2 carrots, peeled and chopped<\/li>\n<li>2 potatoes, peeled and chopped<\/li>\n<li>2 tsp mixed dried herbs<\/li>\n<li>1 stock cube (beef or lamb)<\/li>\n<li>salt and pepper<\/li>\n<li>Big handful of black olives<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>I use anchovies (5) and capers (a small handful) in this also but understand they may not be to everyone\u2019s taste.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Method: <\/strong><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>Sear the shanks in the oils in a hot frying pan, turning them over to brown all sides for a few minutes.<\/li>\n<li>Transfer to the CrockPot (or other brand of slow cooker).<\/li>\n<li>Sprinkle over the flour.<\/li>\n<li>Add the chopped onion and garlic to the juices in the frying pan and fry for a minute or two.<\/li>\n<li>Add the red wine and passata (or you can skin and chop up fresh tomatoes).<\/li>\n<li>Let it bubble and deglaze the pan (i.e. the wine will lift all the caramelised bits of meat off the pan).<\/li>\n<li>Pour the whole lot over the meat and add vegetables, herbs, crumbled stock cube and seasoning.<\/li>\n<li>Stir and make sure everything is covered by liquid (if not add a little boiling water from the kettle).<\/li>\n<li>Cook on high heat for 8 hours or low for 12.<\/li>\n<li>Serve with a fresh green veg (broccoli, cabbage, peas) and\/or a carbohydrate (buttered noodles or pasta, more potatoes, rice).<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><strong>Tip<\/strong>: You can lift the meat off the bones before serving or serve it bone-in (So we begin and end today\u2019s blog with an innuendo).<\/p>\n<p>Sarah Lockett\u2019s new foodie book <strong>The Dish<\/strong> is out now (\u00a39.95, Troubador, \u00a38.96 on Amazon). She will be doing a Q&amp;A and book-signing with her co-author Penny Isaacs on Sat 25<sup>th<\/sup> April at Borders flagship store at 203 Oxford St, London W1, from 1-2pm.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p><script type=\"text\/javascript\">\n!function(f,b,e,v,n,t,s){if(f.fbq)return;n=f.fbq=function(){n.callMethod?\nn.callMethod.apply(n,arguments):n.queue.push(arguments)};if(!f._fbq)f._fbq=n;\nn.push=n;n.loaded=!0;n.version='2.0';n.queue=[];t=b.createElement(e);t.async=!0;\nt.src=v;s=b.getElementsByTagName(e)[0];s.parentNode.insertBefore(t,s)}(window,\ndocument,'script','https:\/\/connect.facebook.net\/en_US\/fbevents.js?v=next');\n<\/script><br \/>\n<br \/><a href=\"https:\/\/www.moneymagpie.com\/save-money\/save-time-money-slow-cooking\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Source link <\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Moneymagpie Team 7th Feb 2025 Reading Time: 5 minutes How do you save time and money slow cooking? I\u2019ve long been a fan of slow cooking \u2013 specifically in an electric slow-cooker. You put all the ingredients in the pot at the start of the day; leave them on a low setting, and when you<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":9827,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"rank_math_lock_modified_date":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[193],"tags":[3892,104,103,1895,205],"class_list":{"0":"post-9826","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-save-money","8":"tag-cooker","9":"tag-money","10":"tag-save","11":"tag-slow","12":"tag-time"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/finderica.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9826","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/finderica.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/finderica.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/finderica.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/finderica.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=9826"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/finderica.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9826\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/finderica.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/9827"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/finderica.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=9826"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/finderica.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=9826"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/finderica.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=9826"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}