Sometimes the simplest methods are the best (Slow Cooking)

Member Name: edinburgher

Product:	Slow Cooking
Date:	04/01/09 (79 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Slow, managable cooking

Disadvantages: Simple fayre!

I've been a fan of slow cooking since my teenage years, when my beloved Gran introduced me to the wonders of pot roast.

While I've never actually gradated onto using a 'proper' slow cooker, perhaps my dooyoo points can be put to good use at some point in the future?

Slow cooking is ideal as it allows proteins and other bits in cheap cuts of meat to break down over a long period of time, releasing goodness and softening up the meat markedly. In addition to this, the broken down fat etc. will add a wonderful flavour to any vegetables cooked with the meat.

Sausages and prepared meats can be thrown in too, although they sometimes get a bit soggy in my experience.

As regards vegetables - any of the prolific root veg that grows so well in the United Kingdom is perfect for slow cooking. Carrots, parsnips, turnip, potatoes and onions are all firm favourites in my slow cooking plans. In essence if it would go into a good homemade stock, it'll slow cook well.

A simple example of a nice slow cooked pot roast enjoyed by my girlfriend and I would be cooked so -

Slow cooked brisket.

1. Take a large brisket joint (1-1.5kg) and brown it on all sides in a very hot pan, using groundnut oil or similar (as it has a far higher smoking point than olive oil)
2. Cut two large carrots and two onions in quarter and bung them into a heavy based pan with a lid that will accommodate all the ingredients.
3. Add a diced turnip and 5-6 cloves of garlic to this (don't peel the garlic, but do squash the cloves slightly with the flat of a large kitchen knife)
4. Add a slug of olive oil and stir the vegetables
5. Put in the brisket, add two bay leaves and some salt and pepper
6. Turn the ring the pot is sitting on to its lowest heat setting and leave to cook (lid on, 2-3 hours)
7. Eat and enjoy (will freeze fine, make sure you reheat thoroughly afterwards)

Summary: Great way to make economical food taste great