Cooking Frozen Vegetables in a Slow Cooker
Cooking frozen vegetables in a slow cooker is a convenient and easy way to get healthy meals on the table. But how long should you cook frozen vegetables in the slow cooker? Here’s what you need to know to get the most out of your slow cooker meals.
General Tips
- Start with Cold Ingredients: Frozen vegetables should be added to the slow cooker at the beginning of the cooking process. Add them directly from the freezer, without thawing. This helps ensure that the vegetables cook evenly.
- Add Liquid: Frozen vegetables need liquid to help cook them. Add enough liquid to cover them. For a stew or soup, this can be broth, a can of diced tomatoes, or tomato sauce.
- Increase Cooking Time: Frozen vegetables will take longer to cook than fresh or thawed vegetables. Allow for about double the time for the frozen vegetables to cook through.
- Stir Occasionally: Use a wooden spoon to stir the contents of the slow cooker occasionally throughout the cooking process, to help avoid sticking and burning.
How Long to Cook Frozen Vegetables?
For most vegetables, such as potatoes, squash, beans and corn, cook on the low setting for 4-6 hours. For leafy greens, such as spinach and kale, cook on the low setting for 2-3 hours.
Testing and Serving
Once the vegetables have cooked, use a fork or a knife to test them for doneness. The vegetables should be tender and easily pierced. Once they are done cooking, turn off the slow cooker and let the vegetables cool for a few minutes before serving.
Conclusion
Cooking frozen vegetables in a slow cooker is a convenient and easy way to get a healthy meal on the table quickly. With the tips and guidelines above, you can cook frozen vegetables in the slow cooker perfectly every time. So the next time you’re in a hurry, pull out your slow cooker and some frozen vegetables for an easy and delicious meal.
