Joined: Feb 2009 Gender: Female Posts: 3,224 Location: Greenest UK
slow cooker recipe: Persian chicken « Thread Started on May 21, 2009, 8:57pm »
Serves 4 preparation time: 30 minutes cooking time: 8 1/4 to 9 1/4 hours slow cooker size: standard
4 chicken drumsticks, skinned 4 chicken thighs, skinned 2 tablespoons plain flour ( I used buckwheat flour) 1 teaspoon turmeric 1 teaspoon paprika 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 large onion, chopped 2 garlic cloves, chopped 4 cloves 2.4 cm = 1 inch fresh root ginger, finely chopped 450ml (3/4 pint) chicken stock 125g 94 oz)young spinach well washed, larger leaves torn into pieces ( I didn't bother adding spinach - served vegetables on the side) salt & pepper.
Slash each piece of chicken 2 or 3 times with a small sharp knife. Mix the flour, turmeric and paprika on a plate, then use to thinly coat the chicken. Heat the oil in a frying pan, add the chicken and cook until browned on all sides. Transfer to a plate. ( I simply added it to the slow cooker) Add the onion and garlic to the pan and fry, stirring for 5 minutes until lightly browned. Stir in any remaining spiced flour. Add the cloves, ginger, stock and salt and pepper to taste and bring to the boil, stirring. Pack the chicken joints into the slow cooker pot, then pour in the hot stock mixture. Cover with the lid and cook for 8-9 hours until the chicken is tender. Add the spinach and cook for 15 minutes more, then serve the chicken on a bed of couscous
Joined: Feb 2009 Gender: Female Posts: 25,323 Location: Mexico
Re: slow cooker recipe: Persian chicken « Reply #2 on May 21, 2009, 10:18pm »
Oooo ~ can't wait to try this.
Probably the chicken is skinned so the turmeric and paprika can penetrate better.
Hint: if you love chicken skin, but must remove it for a recipe or for finicky diners, make "viuces". Put the skin and fat into a skillet with a very little water & some salt. Cook on low heat. The water will help render out the fat, then all the yummy bits will crisp up in that fat. Drain it & save the schmaltz for cooking. This is an addictive snack.
Joined: Feb 2009 Gender: Female Posts: 3,548 Location: Montréal
Re: slow cooker recipe: Persian chicken « Reply #3 on May 21, 2009, 11:54pm »
kerouac, I remember once making a carefully marinated and slow-simmered chicken dish and at least two guests made quite a show of removing the skin. Neither avoided booze, dessert, buttery garlic mashed potatoes or any other calorie minefield.
I'm very scrupulous about making foods that conform to real dietary requirements; I see it as a challenge to make something nice that is vegan, low-fat, low-sodium or whatever. But it is annoying when people deconstruct one's meticulous cooking.
Worse, I have a friend who mashes things up. As in carefully rolled sushi or Vietnamese imperial rolls. She mashes everything together in her plate - she prefers a bowl - and pours copious hot sauce on everything (I do like spice, but...). This is an otherwise very cultivated person.
Joined: Feb 2009 Gender: Female Posts: 3,548 Location: Montréal
Re: slow cooker recipe: Persian chicken « Reply #5 on May 22, 2009, 3:55pm »
I don't have a slow cooker; ask annie. The closest I have to a slow cooker is a kind of round electric frying pan, which I never use for frying, but only for that type of slow-cooked dish. I most often work at home, so I can have something simmering slowly in the kitchen as long as it is not anything that requires close attention. But don't see why tender chicken would need more than an hour of simmering, even at low heat. Only a stewing hen or cock would (as in "coq au vin").
Joined: Feb 2009 Gender: Female Posts: 3,224 Location: Greenest UK
Re: slow cooker recipe: Persian chicken « Reply #6 on May 22, 2009, 6:48pm »
hw, I actually adapted that recipe to a pan (I do have a slow cooker, but didn't have the time when I tried the recipe) I cooked it for approximately 1h30 minutes in a pan on the gas hob and yes, the chicken was all crumbly and literally falling from the bone when I was carefully turning it around. only used two big chicken legs rather than what the recipe lists.
I guess the skin would stop the meat from falling apart in that dish. Also, I think chicken skin is best crispy rather than soggy in a sauce/curry type dish.
Joined: Feb 2009 Gender: Female Posts: 3,224 Location: Greenest UK
Re: slow cooker recipe: Persian chicken « Reply #8 on May 22, 2009, 7:20pm »
K, I started by cooking food overnight and quickly re-heating when coming back from work... but it is soooo good to open the door of the apartment on a winter evening and smell hot cooked food...
I would have difficulty using a slow cooker because I would never trust it unless I was at home 24/7. (I suppose that the trust grows with time.)
I have trouble with slow cookers because I cannot face working with food in the morning when I'm not hungry. All I want is my coffee. Also, most meats have to be browned off in another pan, so you get TWO vessels to scrub out later. I much prefer my pressure cooker to my crock pot.
Joined: Feb 2009 Gender: Male Posts: 34,520 Location: Paris, France
Re: slow cooker recipe: Persian chicken « Reply #10 on May 22, 2009, 8:42pm »
True, sometimes it is hard to face certain food items at the beginning of the morning. Sometimes I have prepared certain ingredients the night before and stored them in the refrigerator -- and sometimes I have just learned to face the items in the morning.
This morning I was making tuna salad sandwiches to take to work and found myself stuffing some of the tuna into my mouth even though I had just eaten Cheerios.
Joined: Feb 2009 Gender: Female Posts: 3,224 Location: Greenest UK
Crockpot / slow cooker recipes « Reply #11 on Feb 15, 2010, 6:16pm »
My slow cooker is broken. I have been waiting since last September for a replacement ceramic bowl. The supplier has it in stock, but they just won't send it to the shop.
In the mean time, you may want to post your recipes here for when I get to use it again?
I remember using it for curries and soups mostly, although the recipe book I bought offers many ideas such as steamed puddings and other desserts.
Joined: Feb 2009 Gender: Female Posts: 25,323 Location: Mexico
Re: Crockpot / slow cooker recipes « Reply #12 on Feb 15, 2010, 7:18pm »
Annie, this brings up a question: assuming a person had enough storage space, would it be worthwhile owing two crockpots? Do they draw little enough electricity that you'd be comfortable leaving two of them on simultaneously?
Re: Crockpot / slow cooker recipes « Reply #13 on Feb 15, 2010, 9:13pm »
Ah my new specialist subject! Tuesday night this winter has pretty much become slowcooker night...
Tomorrow we're having Lamb Hotpot with Cranberries and Port. I found the recipe on line and C&P'ed below. We are using diced lamb as it was on offer, and from what I have learnt over recent month the potatoes wll go on the bottom and the rest over the top. Also as we are out a long day it will be 12 hours on low. Will let you know how good it is!
Lamb, Port and Cranberry Hotpot
Serves 4 Preparation time: 35 minutes Cooking time: 7–8 hours Cooking temperature: high Slow cooker size: standard round or oval
Ingredients
1 tablespoon sunflower oil 6 lamb chump chops, about 750 g (11/2 lb) in total, halved 1 onion, chopped 125 g (4 oz) button mushrooms, sliced 2 tablespoons plain flour 450 ml (3/4 pint) lamb stock 125 ml (4 fl oz) ruby port 1 tablespoon tomato purée 1 tablespoon cranberry sauce 25 g (1 oz) dried cranberries (optional) 700 g (1 lb 7 oz) baking potatoes, thinly sliced salt and pepper chopped parsley, to garnish (optional)
Method
Preheat the slow cooker if necessary - see manufacturer's instructions. Heat the oil in a large frying pan. Add the lamb and fry over a high heat until browned on both sides. Lift out with a draining spoon and transfer to a plate. Add the onion to the pan and fry, stirring, for 5 minutes or until lightly browned. Add the mushrooms and cook for 2 minutes. Stir in the flour, and then gradually mix in the stock and port. Add the tomato purée, cranberry sauce and dried cranberries, if using, and season to taste with salt and pepper. Bring to the boil, stirring. Put the pieces of lamb in the base of the slow cooker pot, pour over the hot sauce and arrange the slice potatoes on top, overlapping the slices in two layers. Gently press the potatoes down into the sauce, cover and cook on high for 7-8 hours or until the lamb and potatoes are tender. Sprinkle with parsley, if liked, and spoon into bowls. ---------------------------
A favorite has been chorizo and lentils, I think I may have posted it already, will go and have a look.
I haven't made curry in it yet, not sure why I am bit worried about how it will turn out. Do you have any good recipes Annie?
Joined: Feb 2009 Gender: Female Posts: 3,548 Location: Montréal
Re: Crockpot / slow cooker recipes « Reply #14 on Feb 15, 2010, 10:21pm »
I have made the West Indian type "curried goat" in a crockpot, as the goat needs long cooking at very low heat. I wouldn't use it for the type of curry that is supposed to be dry, and it would not really be useful for faster-cooking curries.
Joined: Feb 2009 Gender: Female Posts: 25,323 Location: Mexico
Re: Crockpot / slow cooker recipes « Reply #15 on Feb 16, 2010, 3:37am »
Hope you crock-potters don't mind all my questions. I'd sort of like to have one, but don't have lots of storage space. I didn't realize that it could be used to render certain meats more tender, although that does make sense. Do all the foods cooked in the crockpot need to be "wet" foods?
Joined: Feb 2009 Gender: Female Posts: 3,224 Location: Greenest UK
Re: Crockpot / slow cooker recipes « Reply #18 on Feb 16, 2010, 6:30pm »
bixa, I would rather chose the best crockpot for your situation than owning two, but that's me. As for electricity consumption, it naturally depends on models, but they are supposed to draw about the same as a lightbulb left on. I believe that all dishes must be wet, at least at the beginning. I would be afraid to crack the pot if it were dry. but obviously, there are pots with a non-ceramic pot in the centre, so don't really know. Does that help?
Re: Crockpot / slow cooker recipes « Reply #22 on Feb 16, 2010, 7:57pm »
I am a big fan of crock pots. But they are not all created equal. I have one that was given to me in the mid 1980s and it's still going strong. It's made by Rival and is entirely ceramic save for the electrical components. I also purchased a newer one a few years ago and didn't like it! It did not get as hot (as fast), so I gave it to a friend.
My favorite thing to cook in it is pot roast. I purchase a small eye of round roast and then brown it in a frying pan with olive oil after rubbing it with garlic and dusting it with flour. When the roast is browned I place it on 'high' in the crock pot with one can of beef broth, one can of hot water and seasonings. I cook it for at least 5 hrs on high and then lower the heat to the low setting for another couple of hours. About 2 hrs before I want to eat it, I add carrots or other veggies. When the roast is done, I use the juices to make gravy for mashed potatoes.
« Last Edit: Feb 16, 2010, 7:58pm by spaceneedle »
Re: Crockpot / slow cooker recipes « Reply #23 on Feb 18, 2010, 11:51am »
That hotpot was especially delicious. It cooked a lot quicker than the recipe reckoned and didn’t have port so I used a little red wine.
Bixa, our kitchen is tiny and space limited so I am very anti-gadget and have a minimalist approach to cooking…but one thing I wouldn’t get rid of is the slow cooker. Have become very reliant on it, and love coming home to dinner ready to eat. We made mulled wine in it over Christmas and was lovely to come home to it after a long walk!
I have this bookmarked but haven’t had a chance to look through it properly yet. Interesting.
Joined: Feb 2009 Gender: Female Posts: 3,548 Location: Montréal
Re: Crockpot / slow cooker recipes « Reply #24 on Mar 5, 2010, 10:41pm »
Tillystar, I'm also rather anti-gadget - don't have a microwave although I've been offered several - I prefer my bit of counter space. I do like the crockpot though. I need more ideas. crockpot365 is useful, but it has some restrictions (no wheat etc) that aren't relevant to all cooks. I see that the blog author doesn't seem to have a pork allergy any more. So I see she has a new carnitas recipe. I've never eaten that (I know those of you who live in Mexico or the US Southwest would find that strange, but it is not such a common dish here).
Re: Crockpot / slow cooker recipes « Reply #25 on Mar 9, 2010, 11:54pm »
Agreed, various crock pots heat differently. I had a 1980s model for years, in fact I still have it. The main problem I had with it was the container did not separate from the electronics for washing. As it turned out, I am so happy with my choice to purchase a new one, when I began reading I discovered a kitchen electronics rating site. My new model has a high which actually gets it hot enough to boil beans adequately.
Now for one of my favorite crock pot recipes, be forewarned I cook by what you can spare:
Crock Pot Potatoes Au Gratin
start with a chunk of Gruyere cheese (usually I have 1/3 pound) However much cheese you have, use the same amount or slightly more ham Use around four or five times the potatoes, peeled and sliced, preferably one of the golden varieties with naturally rich taste half an onion cooked until translucent and beginning to caramelize 8 oz sour cream salt and pepper to taste
start by greasing the crock with olive oil beginning with potato slices, layer potato, a little onion, some Gruyere, a little ham, daubs of sour cream, salt, and pepper. Try to cover completely with each layer of potato but sort of daub or sprinkle around the other ingredients. If you happen to have a little cream or half and half left over from something else, you can pour 1/4 cup over the top before the final salt and pepper. Be careful to end with sour cream and not potatoes. If you don't have any cream, a couple of teaspoons of butter dolloped around or a drizzle of olive oil would do just as well. If you have a favorite herb you could add that in below the sour cream on each level, sometimes I add in a little fresh thyme or a very light sprinkle of fresh sage from my garden. My daughter likes hers with rosemary but the one time I tried it, it was a bit too much rosemary. It doesn't take a lot in this dish.
When you have everything in, turn the crock pot on high until it gets hot, then it can be left there if you want to eat in an hour and a half, or you can turn to low and leave to cook all day.
I recommend you use the best ham you can find, the ham and cheese are what really makes the dish. Might also be good with bacon. Beware of adding much salt, as the ham and Gruyere are salty. Sometimes I skip it altogether, but a little dab won't hurt.
This serves as a filling side or even a great meal.
Re: Crockpot / slow cooker recipes « Reply #26 on Mar 10, 2010, 12:15am »
Roast Beef
I like to pick up one of the less tender roast cuts and chop it up in my crock pot, together with a can of beef broth and a chopped onion, perhaps a crushed garlic clove or two. Depending on my mood and what is on sale, I may also add a few chopped potatoes, carrots, and chunks of cabbage, finishing with a can of stewed tomatoes for a beef and veggie stew. Instead, I might add 1/4 teaspoon cumin, 2 chopped potatoes, 1 chopped carrot, and a few jalapenos which have been seeded and chopped into 8 pieces, finishing right before serving with 8 ounces of sour cream and serving in corn tortillas rolled up with some of the sauce mixed with farm cheese spooned over the top and sprinkled with a little jack cheese. I don't think it's terribly authentic but my family loves this as our own special Mexican dinner. I usually serve Spanish Rice on the side made by cooking plain white rice in the rice cooker, only instead of using 1+1/2 cup rice and water to the 2 line as the directions for making rice instruct which came with my cooker, I add a can of Rotel tomatoes plus a daub of water to reach the 3 line. If I am in a German mood, I turn it back to high when almost ready to serve and add egg noodles, then finish with a little sour cream just before serving for a thicker gravy.
We also like pulled pork or pulled chicken made in the crock pot for sandwiches. When they have boneless skinless chicken breasts on sale, I will pick up a bag (3 pounds) and toss them in the crock along with about a cup and a half of bbq sauce, 1/2 cup fajita marinade, about 1/4 cup honey, several good shakes each of worstershire sauce and soy, half an onion and a garlic clove chopped finely, a good grind of fresh pepper, and half a cup of water. For pork I do the same just substitute pork chops. I cook on high until it is simmering then turn to medium and leave it at least 3 hours, usually more like five. When I get home, I just take the meat out to a plate, use two forks to pull it to pieces, removing any bones, and dump it back in to simmer for another 10-15 minutes minimum on high. Some people do beef brisket this way, but I've always done my using indirect heat of the smoker for that tasty smokey taste.
Joined: Feb 2009 Gender: Female Posts: 3,224 Location: Greenest UK
Re: Crockpot / slow cooker recipes « Reply #27 on Mar 18, 2010, 6:36pm »
I've got a new ceramic part for my slow cooker! just in time for spring! yey! have already used it for the red bean soup I made end of Feb (I received the part days before the soup & swap. perfect!
Joined: Feb 2009 Gender: Female Posts: 3,548 Location: Montréal
Re: Crockpot / slow cooker recipes « Reply #28 on Mar 18, 2010, 9:49pm »
Gertie, I've also used the slow cooker to make fine dishes from the tougher beef cuts, but I'd call that a braise, not a roast. I'd like to do the classic Piemontese brasato (with a rich red wine) some day. I don't eat a lot of red meat, but I know that would greatly please a certain friend from Argentina...
Joined: Nov 2011 Gender: Female Posts: 48 Location: Toronto Canada
Re: Crockpot / slow cooker recipes « Reply #29 on Mar 20, 2010, 10:35pm »
Time for me to get a crock pot. I love the idea of the one pot dish that cooks itself slowly. Often I do this, simply and slowly in a big pot , stovetop. I don't have a microwave and problay never will. (was given one and gave it away) I suppose I'm a slow food person. These recipes sound delicious! Does anyone have a suggestion for a particular one to buy that is simple to use and not too expensive? A month ago, I bought one impulsively, but returned it soon....too complicated(technologically) and after buying it, I read reviews that its' low setting was far too hot.
![[Home]](http://static1.grsites.com/user/folders/nowdocking/r3920049/button23550481.png "[Home]")
![[New Topics]](http://images.proboards.com/menu/topics.png "[New Topics]")
![[Help]](http://static1.grsites.com/user/folders/nowdocking/r3920083/button28195714.png "[Help]")
![[Search]](http://static1.grsites.com/user/folders/nowdocking/r3920086/button25710789.png "[Search]")
![[Login]](http://static1.grsites.com/user/folders/nowdocking/r3920112/button20487816.png "[Login]")
![[Register]](http://static1.grsites.com/user/folders/nowdocking/r3920117/button97266159.png "[Register]")
![[Search This Thread]](http://images.proboards.com/search2.gif "[Search This Thread]")
![[Reply]](http://images.proboards.com/buttons/reply.gif "[Reply]")
![[Share Topic]](http://images.proboards.com/new/buttons/share.png "[Share Topic]")
![[Print]](http://images.proboards.com/buttons/print.gif "[Print]")
Author![[avatar]](http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee13/swozzies/anniesavatar.jpg "[avatar]"){kind=avatar}
![[Quote]](http://images.proboards.com/buttons/quote.gif "[Quote]")
Logged
![[avatar]](http://i450.photobucket.com/albums/qq228/kerouac2/frog.jpg "[avatar]")
![[avatar]](http://i.imgur.com/23lJo.jpg "[avatar]")
![[avatar]](http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_nMmeViJEKQo/SQ-lMfUI-8I/AAAAAAAAE-I/FRcjIsDerN0/s320/blackcat-734018.jpg "[avatar]")
![[avatar]](http://img26.imageshack.us/img26/7113/mondulkiri01zv5.jpg "[avatar]")
![[avatar]](http://hermitcrabpetcare.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/11/hermit_crab4.jpg "[avatar]")
![[avatar]](http://img269.imageshack.us/img269/763/funnyfacer.jpg "[avatar]")
![[avatar]](http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-geCedqtD42k/T5nyULl9CqI/AAAAAAAAWGM/1EM9HKLEDUs/s512/IMG_2160.JPG "[avatar]")
![[avatar]](http://img136.imageshack.us/img136/8818/dudethebiglebowski.jpg "[avatar]")