Cooking Perfectly Tender and Delicious Meals in Slow Cooker

Slow cookers are a great way to make delicious, tender meals with minimal effort. In this guide, we’ll show you how to cook brisket, dry beans, bone broth and rice in a slow cooker that is flavorful and tender.

How to cook brisket in a slow cooker?

Cooking brisket in a slow cooker is a great way to create a tender and flavorful meat that falls apart. Here’s how you can do it:

Ingredients:

• 3-4 pounds beef brisket
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1/2 cup barbecue sauce

Instructions:

1. Trim the brisket of any excess fat. Pat it dry with paper towels.
2. In a small bowl, mix together the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cumin, and cayenne pepper.
3. Rub the spice mixture all over the brisket.
4. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the brisket and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until browned.
5. Transfer the brisket to a slow cooker.
6. Pour the beef broth and barbecue sauce over the brisket.
7. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 8-10 hours, or on high for 4-6 hours, or until the brisket is tender and falls apart easily with a fork.
8. When the brisket is cooked, transfer it to a cutting board and let it rest for 10-15 minutes.
9. Slice the brisket against the grain and serve with the cooking liquid.

Enjoy your slow-cooked brisket!

How to cook dry beans in a slow cooker?

Cooking dry beans in a slow cooker is a convenient and easy way to prepare them. Here’s how you can do it:

Ingredients:

• 1 pound dry beans (such as black, pinto, or kidney)
• 6 cups water or vegetable broth
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin (optional)

Instructions:

1. Rinse the dry beans in a colander under cold running water and remove any debris or stones.
2. Add the beans to the slow cooker.
3. Add the water or vegetable broth, onion, garlic, salt, black pepper, and cumin (if using) to the slow cooker.
4. Stir to combine.
5. Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 4-6 hours, or on low for 8-10 hours, or until the beans are tender and fully cooked.
6. Check the beans occasionally to make sure they are covered with enough liquid. If needed, add additional water or broth to prevent them from drying out.
7. Once the beans are cooked, taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
8. Serve the cooked beans as a side dish, or use them in your favorite recipes.

Note: Some types of beans may require soaking before cooking to reduce cooking time and make them more digestible. Check the instructions on the package for specific recommendations.

How to make bone broth in slow cooker?

Bone broth has gained popularity in recent years due to its many health benefits, such as improved gut health and joint function. While the traditional method of simmering bones for hours on the stovetop can be time-consuming, making bone broth in a slow cooker is incredibly easy and convenient. In this guide, we’ll show you how to make nutrient-rich bone broth in a slow cooker with minimal effort.

Ingredients:

• 2-3 pounds of beef, chicken, or pork bones (raw or roasted)
• 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2-3 garlic cloves, chopped
• 2-3 carrots, chopped
• 2-3 celery stalks, chopped
• 1-2 bay leaves
• 8-10 cups of water

Instructions:

1. Add the bones, apple cider vinegar, and water to the slow cooker. Let it sit for 30 minutes to an hour to allow the vinegar to leach the minerals from the bones.
2. Add the chopped vegetables and bay leaves to the slow cooker.
3. Set the slow cooker to low heat and let it cook for 18-24 hours. The longer you cook the bone broth, the more nutrients and minerals it will contain.
4. Once the bone broth has finished cooking, turn off the slow cooker and let it cool slightly.
5. Strain the bone broth through a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth to remove any solids.
6. Store the bone broth in airtight containers in the refrigerator or freezer.

Making bone broth in a slow cooker is a simple and convenient way to enjoy the many health benefits of this nutrient-rich beverage. With just a few ingredients and a little bit of patience, you can make a delicious and nourishing broth that can be used in a variety of recipes. Try making your own slow cooker bone broth at home and see how easy it can be!

How to cook rice in a slow cooker?

Cooking rice in a slow cooker is a great way to prepare it for a crowd or to have it ready without constant attention. Here’s how you can do it:

Ingredients:

• 2 cups long-grain white rice
• 3 cups water or chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon butter or oil
• 1 teaspoon salt (optional)

Instructions:

1. Rinse the rice in a fine-mesh strainer under cold running water until the water runs clear.
2. Add the rice, water or chicken broth, butter or oil, and salt (if using) to the slow cooker.
3. Stir to combine.
4. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 2-3 hours, or on high for 1-2 hours, or until the rice is tender and fully cooked.
5. Once the rice is cooked, fluff it with a fork and serve.

Note: Cooking time may vary depending on your slow cooker and the type of rice used. Check the rice occasionally to make sure it is not overcooked or undercooked. If the rice is not fully cooked after the recommended cooking time, add a little more water or broth and continue cooking until tender. Also, the amount of water or broth used may vary depending on the type of rice, so be sure to check the package instructions for specific recommendations.