OVEN TO CROCK POT CONVERSIONS
It's difficult to give exact conversion information on translating
traditional oven recipes to the crock pot. Below you will find some
general guidelines for converting your favorite recipes to the crock
pot. Since crock pots vary, you should consult your owner's manual for
instructions.
Crock pots may vary but generally, the LOW setting is about 200 degrees
F. and the HIGH setting is about 300 degrees F.
One hour on HIGH is approximately equal to 2 to 2-1/2 hours on LOW.
Most crockpot recipes recommend cooking 8-10 hours on LOW.
Some recipes recommend the HIGH setting based on the nature and texture
of the food. You will have to judge your recipe accordingly. For
example, beef cuts will be better cooked on LOW for 8-10 hours to get a
more tender texture, where chicken can be cooked on HIGH 2-1/2 to 3
hours.
Reduce the amount of liquid used in most oven recipes when using the LOW
setting, since the crockpot retains all moisture that usually evaporates
when cooking in the oven.
Add liquids for sauces about an hour before done.
You will normally end up with more liquid at the end of cooking times,
not less.
A general rule is to reduce liquids by half, unless rice or pasta is in
the dish.
Spices may need to be reduced or increased. Whole herbs and spices
increase their flavoring power in crockpot cooking while ground spices
may have lost some flavor.
Add ground spices during the last hour of cooking.
Whole leaf and herbs will probably need to be reduced by half.
Rice, noodles, macaroni, seafood, Chinese vegetables and milk do not
hold up well when cooked 8-10 hours. Add these to sauces or liquid about
2 hours before serving when using LOW setting (or 1 hour on HIGH). If
you want to use milk in an 8-10 hour recipe, use evaporated milk.
Browning meats before cooking is a personal choice. It's not necessary
but it will reduce the fat content of some meats if you brown it before
cooking.
Sautéing vegetables (like onions, etc) is not necessary, (except for
eggplant which should be parboiled or sautéed prior due to its strong
flavor). Just add them to the pot with everything else. You may wish to
reduce quantities of stronger vegetables since they will permeate the
other foods in the crockpot with their full flavor.
Dry beans can be cooked overnight on LOW as an alternative to soaking.
Cover with water and add 1 teaspoon of baking soda. Drain and combine
with other ingredients. Be sure beans are softened before adding to any
sugar or tomato mixture.
For best results, use long-grain parboiled/converted raw rice in
recipes, and use standard liquid amounts instead of reducing the liquid.
For mixed recipes requiring pasta, it's best to cook the pasta
separately to al dente texture and add just before serving.
For soups, add water only to cover ingredients. If thinner soup is
desired, more liquid can be added at the end of the cooking time.
General Oven to Crockpot Cooking Time Conversions
Oven 15 to 30 minutes = Crockpot 1-1/2 to 2-1/2 hours on HIGH or 4 to 6
hours on LOW
Oven 35 to 45 minutes = Crockpot 2 to 3 hours on HIGH or 6 to 8 hours on LOW
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