Slow cooking and comfort food

There's something wonderfully comforting about slow-cooked food. Autumn sees many chefs washing the dust from their slow-cooker and looking at the seasonal veg with new goals in mind; how will it go with my braised lamb or beef casserole? This article is the first in a series of posts about slow-cooking and comfort food recipes.

What is slow-cooking?

Slow-cooking is cooking that can be left on its own. Often it takes place in a slow-cooker or "crock pot", and at a low enough temperature that the food takes all day to be cooked. Slow cookers are popular with parents and commuters alike as the food is placed in a liquid (stew or broth) and cooked for 8 or 9 hours at a time. The toughest of meat cuts is tender after a day of slow cooking. Slow-cooking isn't for meat alone, you can make some delicious vegetarian dishes and even a dessert using your slow cooker.

What slow cooker should I get?

A slow cooker's capacity is measures in pints or litres. The bigger your family, the bigger capacity you'll need. And you'll also need counter-stop space for your slow-cooker, and it will need to be placed near an electricity point as well, as these are plugged in all day.  A 1.5l slow cooker can be purchased for £11 in Argos and a family sized 4.7l Crock Pot can be picked up between £50 and £70. Have a look around as I've also seen 6.5l Breville slow cookers priced at £30

What Meals Can I slow Cook?

Anything from Curry to Dessert! You can make casseroles and add dumplings when you get home from work, or just slow cook cubed meat and vegetables in a sauce. Once you start, you'll find it's not only a great time saver, but also highly addictive! What are your favourite slow-cooked comfort foods? Michael PS look out for the slow-cooked recipes coming in the next few days. Subscribe so you don't miss out.