Look I know what you are thinking: why are we taking about slow cookers? If all you can think of is a questionable stew made in the slow cooker, think again. Slow cookers are perfect for beginners or for an avid cook because they are super easy to use.
I feel like slow cookers get a bad rep, and honestly, I don’t get it. I mean, who wouldn’t want to come home from a long day at university to a wholesome home-cooked meal? This could be you all, thanks to a slow cooker. Simply chuck in all the ingredients and leave it to do its thing for a few hours, and boom, a delicious meal.
We all embraced the air-fryer as a student staple gadget in our kitchens, so why not add a slow cooker to your cooking arsenal? You could add it to your Christmas list, or you could convince your housemates to all chip in for a shared slow cooker. If you do not have enough space for one in your kitchen, take this as your sign to make a delicious meal for your family when you go home over the Christmas break and wow them with your cooking skills.
Benefits of a slow cooker
1. Easy cooking
Throw in all your ingredients and leave it in the slow cooker to do its thing
2. Cost-effective
A few ingredients go along way
3. Great for meal prep
Portion out leftovers for lunches and dinners or freeze portions for busy weeks
4. Minimal washing up
Your dinner is made all in just one pot which means less time at the sink. Result!
5. Perfect for sharing
Easily make 4-6 portions in the slow cooker. Can easily bulk out meal with beans or lentils to make it stretch further.
Now that I’ve drawn your attention to the humble slow cooker. You might be thinking what kind of food or recipes can I make in the slow cooker?
Slow cooker recipe inspiration
1. Tomato and Butter Bean Pasta
Made from mostly cupboard ingredients and a good recipe to have up your sleeve for deadline season. Cook on high for 3 hours and add in your cooked pasta of choice.
2. Lentil chilli
Throw in all the usual ingredients for a chilli along with lentils. Leave to cook on high for 4 hours.
3. Hot chocolate
The slow cooker makes the creamiest and most delicious hot chocolate. Using milk, single cream, milk chocolate, and a bit of cocoa powder. This would be perfect to share with friends as a study pick-me-up or to get in the festive mood.
A slow cooker might not be a typical student essential, but it can help you to make delicious, cheap, and easy food. All you have to do is throw in all your ingredients and it does the hard work for you.
Happy slow cooking!