25 Flavorful Fall Slow Cooker Recipes Perfect for Chilly Nights (2024)

FAQs

How do I get more Flavour in my slow cooker? ›

Spice up your life

Dry, fragrant spices like cumin and coriander seeds need to be fried in oil and added at the beginning of the recipe as they take time to impart their essence. Hot chilli-based flavourings should be added to taste at the end, as the fire can multiply the over the long cooking time.

That's because the low, slow style of cooking lets the flavors simmer together for hours, creating a much richer and more flavorful meal.

When it's too hot to turn on your oven, don't! Your slow cooker can handle everything from weeknight dinners to family barbecues. It might even be the best-kept secret for making fabulous summer desserts.

Insufficient seasoning, such as chili powder, cumin, paprika, and salt, can lead to bland chili. Chili relies on a combination of spices and seasonings for its distinctive flavor. Be sure to taste your chili during the cooking process and adjust the seasonings as needed.

There is so much to love about slow cookers. They're eco-friendly, make light work of cheap ingredients and meat cuts, and involve minimal prep. What's more, they offer a healthier, low-fat method of cooking as you don't need any oil.

Given how close that temperature is to the Danger Zone, Crock Pot recommends that you only keep food on the warm setting in your slow cooker for up four hours.

It's generally safe to leave a slow cooker on for 12 hours—that's what they're made for.

Do crock pots make the house hot? ›

It's hot enough outside so let's keep it as cool as possible inside. Slow cookers will help you save money both inside and outside the home. This small appliance is much more energy-efficient than your oven and stove, while also keeping your AC bill down by not heating up your home.

Call upon glutamate-rich ingredients such as tomato paste (which we used in our Slow-Cooker Braised Chicken Thighs with Garlicky Spinach for Two), porcini mushrooms, and soy sauce, which can mimic the deep flavor that comes from browning and traditional sauce making.

When you're cooking on the stovetop, you are usually seasoning your ingredients as you sauté or fry. With a slow cooker, you're leaving those ingredients to fend for themselves. Many slow cookers users also add water to their recipes instead of broth, which can make the food taste rather bland.

Acidic ingredients help lift and balance flavor. Use small amounts of ingredients with bold flavors such as pomegranate seeds, chipotle pepper or cilantro. Give a flavor burst with condiments such as horseradish, flavored mustard, chutney, wasabi, bean purees, tapenade and salsas of all kinds.

Not enough seasoning

One of the most common mistakes made by novice chefs is underseasoning their food. Simple seasonings such as salt, pepper, herbs, and spices are essential for boosting the flavors of your food. Don't be afraid to experiment and find the right balance of flavors that suits your taste!