The Art of Slow Cooking: Embrace the Cold with Winter Comfort Classic

There’s nothing better than a slow-cooked meal to warm you up on a winter’s day. So, while the weather has been getting cooler, the Chicken N Things team has been getting more creative in the kitchen. After some trial, error and a lot of ingenuity, we’re proud to say we’ve mastered the art of the slow-cooked meal. From tips and tricks to tantalising recipes, we’re here to help you stay warm and fed this Winter. 

The Appeal of Slow Cooking in Winter

Slow cooking and winter go hand in hand. The long, simmering process is perfect for days when we crave something warm and nourishing and it’s not only good for the soul, it’s good for our bodies. Slow cooking releases heat over long periods of time, which helps tenderise tougher cuts of meat and intensify flavours without relying on excess fat or calories. The result is a meal that’s not only delicious but healthy, making it the ideal choice for winter.

Chicken N Things Winter Comfort Classics

The star of slow cooking is definitely the meat. That’s where we come in. At Chicken N Things we pride ourselves on sourcing the highest quality meat that’s sure to take your slow cooking game to the next level. So, whether you’re craving a rich beef stew or a hearty chicken casserole consider checking out our wide selection of fresh cuts on sale. 

Tips and Techniques for Successful Slow Cooking

To help you make the most of your slow cooking endeavours, we’ve compiled a list of the best practical tips and techniques:

• Opt for tougher cuts of meat such as brisket, or lamb shanks. While these cuts can be too chewy using normal methods, the slow cooking process makes them tender and flavourful.

• To avoid mushy or undercooked vegetables, it’s important to add them in stages. Root vegetables like carrots and potatoes can go in at the beginning, while more delicate vegetables like peas should be added towards the end of the cooking time.

• Don’t be afraid to leave your slow cooker alone. While the urge to constantly check on the food might seem irresistible, it’s not only unnecessary but can let heat out resulting in a longer cooking time. 

• Make sure to read your manual. While this tip may seem obvious, different brands can have specific settings or require slightly more or less time to cook a dish. 

• If you’re used to more traditional cooking methods, pay special attention to your liquids. Because slow cookers have a lid, they won’t evaporate over time. This means it’s important to reduce your liquids and thicken your sauce as required. 

Recipes to Try

Can’t wait to try out these tips? Take a shot at one of our tried-and-tested winter comfort recipes:

Moroccan Lamb Shanks

Ingredients:

• 4 Chicken N Things lamb shanks
• 2 onions, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 cup canned diced tomatoes
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 1 tsp cinnamon 
• 1 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh coriander for garnish

Instructions: 

Season lamb shanks with salt and pepper to taste. Sear them in a hot skillet for 2-3 minutes or until brown all over and transfer them to your slow cooker. Fry onions over medium to low heat in the same skillet until they start to soften then add minced garlic, cumin, coriander, cinnamon and paprika to the skillet and fry for another minute. Add the diced tomatoes and beef broth to the skillet and sear for another minute making sure to scrape any browned bits off the side of the skillet into the mixture. 

Transfer the ingredients to the slow cooker and submerge the lamb shanks. Slow cook on low for 6-8 hours until the meat is tender then garnish with fresh coriander and serve with your favourite side.

Hearty Beef Stew

Ingredients:

• Chicken N Things Beef (Bone In) Curry / Stew Pieces
• 4 carrots, chopped
• 4 potatoes, diced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups beef broth
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 cup red wine
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 2 bay leaves
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions: 

Season beef with salt and pepper to taste. Sear them in a hot skillet for 2-3 minutes or until brown all over and transfer them to your slow cooker. Fry onions over medium to low heat in the same skillet until they start to soften before transferring them to your slow cooker. Add carrots, potatoes, garlic, beef broth, tomato paste, red wine, thyme, and bay leaves. Slow cook on low for 8 hours until the meat is tender. Discard the bay leaves, garnish with fresh parsley and serve with your favourite side. 

Conclusion

If you’ve got your own dish in mind or are wanting to experiment with slow-cooking a little more, take a look at our wide selection of meats that are sure to be the star of your next comfort meal. Whether you’re new to slow cooking or a seasoned pro, our tips and recipes will help you create the tastiest slow-cooked food that will nourish both your body and soul.