It’s cold, it’s wet and it’s miserable outside – all of the things that make us want to abandon our New Year’s resolutions, in favour of snuggling up in front of the fire with a hearty meal in hand.
Thankfully, not all hearty meals are heavy in calories, so those who wish to eat well whilst also enjoying a warm and comforting meal can now do so.
Tasty and healthy main meals
Hectic schedules, long working hours and tempting takeout menus make it challenging for even the most discerning of diners to think about cooking throughout the week. However, making dinner with a slow cooker poses as the perfect compromise and is an easy way to get your daily intake of minerals and vitamins.
Such a device allows busy workers to create dinners that are both light on effort and low in calories. After all, the last thing you want to do when you return home from the office is to spend hours slaving over a hot stove.
The benefits of a slow cooker
Described as the slim girl’s secret weapon, a slow cooker is a must-have investment for those who boast a busy lifestyle. Meals created using this method are lower in salt and oil, yet still taste extremely flavorsome. From vegetable and chickpea curries to beef and vegetable stews, you can make the most of your slow cooker with these recipes; it can be used to create a number of lean, fat-free dishes.
Another benefit of using a slow cooker is convenience. You can throw a number of ingredients in the pot in the morning and leave it unattended for the entire day. When you return home from work, you’ll be met by a warm, tasty and healthy meal. The lower temperatures reduce the chance of the food burning, whereas when a similar meal is cooked on the stove, meats and vegetables tend to stick to the bottom. Aside from ruining the taste of the dish, this makes for more work when it comes to cleaning up.
Tips to follow when using a slow cooker
If you’ve decided to purchase a brand new slow cooker, it’s important to use it a few times on both the high and low settings. This should be done before you decide to leave the device unattended. It’s also wise to place the cooker on a granite counter top, a baking sheet or upon a stove-top, as the base of the slow cooker can get quite hot.