Slow Cooking. Flashcards
How are slow cookers operated and what can they be used to cook?
Slow cookers are operated by electricity and can be used for cooking stews, braises, and other dishes that require long, slow, moist cooking.
Suitable foods for slow cooking:
They can be used to cook pâtés, soups, fish, and desserts.
What happens if the cooker has to be left on for longer than originally planned?
If the cooker has to be left on for longer than originally planned there is usually no adverse effect on the food, unless it is a rice or pasta dish which may become sticky if overcooked.
What has to be done as an effect of the slow build up of heat and what does this avoid?
As the build-up of heat is slow, some models have to be pre-heated for about 20 minutes before food is placed in them. This avoids the risk of food-poisoning bacteria multiplying as the food warms up.
What are the four advantages of slow cooking?
- Once the cooking starts the pot can be left unattended, except for rice dishes which should be sirred occasionally.
- Litte fuel is used.
- Tough cuts of meat can be tenderized by the moist, slow cooking.
- Pots can be lifted out to allow a topping (for example, potato, cheese) to be put on top of the dish so that it can be grilled.
What are the two disadvantages of slow cooking?
- Pulses and beans may not cook completely at the temperature of the slow cooker.
- Meat and poultry may have to be browned in a pan beforehand, although some models have a flameproof pot which can be put on the hob for this purpose.
