Slow Cooker Tips for Beginners

A slow cooker is perfect for busy winter days. Add ingredients in the morning and come home to a warm, ready meal.

Best foods for slow cooking

• Cheaper cuts of meat like beef chuck, pork shoulder and chicken thighs
• Stews, curries and chilli
• Soups and bean dishes
• Pulled meats for sandwiches

Golden rules

1. Fill it half to two-thirds full for even cooking.
2. Put root vegetables at the bottom — they take longest to cook.
3. Use less liquid than in stovetop recipes. Very little evaporates.
4. Keep the lid on. Each peek lets out heat and adds cooking time.
5. Add delicate ingredients late, like peas, cream or fresh herbs.

Low vs high

As a rough guide, 1 hour on high equals about 2 hours on low. Low is better for tougher cuts of meat.

Food safety

Don't put frozen meat straight into a slow cooker — thaw it first. Make sure meat is fully cooked before serving, and refrigerate leftovers promptly.

Once you've mastered a basic stew, you'll find yourself using your slow cooker every week.