Adding Vegetables to Slow Cookers
Slow cookers are a great way to prepare delicious, home-cooked meals with minimal effort. Adding vegetables to slow cookers can be tricky though as not all vegetables require the same cooking times.
When to Add Vegetables to Your Slow Cooker
If you want to include vegetables in your slow cooker recipe, make sure to add them at the right time to ensure they are cooked correctly. Here’s a guide to help you:
Root Vegetables and Onions
Examples include potato, sweet potato, parsnips, turnips, carrots, celeriac, onions, etc.
- If you are cooking on low: add them to the cooker right at the beginning, no pre-cooking required.
- If you are cooking on high: pre-cook them before adding, as they need longer to cook.
Other Vegetables
Examples include broccoli, peppers, squash, zucchini, etc.
- If you are cooking on low: add them about 4-5 hours before the end of cooking.
- If you are cooking on high: add them about 1-2 hours before the end of cooking.
Important Tips When Adding Vegetables to a Slow Cooker
- Always cut vegetables into similarly sized pieces.
- For pre-cooking vegetables, use a skillet or a microwave.
- For non-precooked vegetables, layer them on the bottom then add the rest of the ingredients on top.
- Stir vegetables in gently throughout the cooking process to ensure they are cooked evenly.
Now that you know the proper timing for adding vegetables to a slow cooker, you will have perfectly cooked vegetables ready to be enjoyed with your delicious slow cooked meal.
