How do I convert a recipe from a stew to use a slow-cooker

How do I convert a recipe from a stew to use a slow-cooker - From above of anonymous cook adding minced meat into pan with boiling chili while standing near stove on blurred background

How do I convert a recipe given as a slow-boiled stew to a slow-cooker recipe? I assume that liquid amounts and probably onions and other flavorings need to change. What are those changes? What proportions? Are there particular ingredients I should watch out for?

slow-cookingconversionstews


Best Answer

Stewing or braising is essentially what slow cookers do, so there is not a huge difference in converting a stew recipe.

There are two main issues to consider:

  1. Flavor development. You may choose to sear or brown your ingredients separately, and then deglaze for your base sauce. Most slow cookers cannot create the browning, so it would need to be done separately.

  2. Liquid level. If your original recipe stews with an open lid, you will get less evaporation in the slow cooker, so may want to reduce the liquid slightly to compensate.



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What is the difference between stew and slow cook?

You can cook a stew on the stove for an hour or two, or a casserole in the oven for an hour or three, but with the slow cooker, you can leave it to cook for anywhere up to about 10 hours.

Can you use a slow cooker instead of a casserole dish?

Slow cookers can be a good choice for a casserole dish replacement, but it all depends on your slow cooker's build. If your slow cooker's pot is not removable, it's only good if you can cook the casserole in the slow cooker. You may need to adjust your recipe to get the same result, but it's doable in many cases.

How do I convert recipes to slow cooker?

How to convert an oven or stovetop recipe to a slow cooker recipe
  • Defrost your ingredients first. ...
  • Place your ingredients differently. ...
  • Alter the amount of liquid. ...
  • Adjust herbs and spices. ...
  • Don't add dairy at the beginning. ...
  • Adjust the time. ...
  • How to make the sauce thicker. ...
  • Take notes.


    • How do I convert slow cooker times?

  • One to 1.5 hours on high or four to six hours on low in a slow cooker equals 15 to 30 minutes in the oven.
  • Two to four hours on high or six to eight hours on low equals 35 to 45 minutes in the oven.
  • Four to six hours on high or eight to 10 hours on low equals 50 minutes to three hours in the oven.



    • How to Make Beef Stew in a Slow Cooker : Preparing Stews: Tips \u0026 Tricks



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