Operating instructions

17
A BEGINNERS GUIDE TO SLOW COOKING
The method of slow cooking (where food is
cooked in a large pot and allowed to cook
for hours) has been around for a very long
time. This method has always been known
as one which produces a flavourful, moist
and tender result. The Breville Smart Temp™
has been designed to give you the same
result as well as save you time and take the
guesswork out of slow cooking.
IT’S ALL IN THE TIMING
Always allow sufficient time for the food to
cook. It is almost impossible to overcook in
the slow cooker particularly when using the
Low setting.
Most of the recipes within this book can
be cooked on the High, Medium and Low
setting, however the cooking times will vary
accordingly. Each recipe will give specific
instructions indicating the appropriate
setting and suggested cooking times. As a
guide meats such as chicken or small pieces
of meat will have best results when cooked
on HIGH for 3-4 hours or MEDIUM for 4-6
hours. Larger pieces of meat such as lamb
shanks will have best results when cooked
on LOW for 6-7 hours.
ADAPTING COOKING TIMES
Your favourite traditional recipes can be
adapted easily by halving the amount of
liquid and increasing the cooking time
considerably. The following is a guide to
adjusting your favourite recipes:
TRADITIONAL
RECIPE TIME
SLOW COOKER
RECIPE TIME
15-30 minutes 4-6 hours on Low setting
60 minutes 6-8 hours on Low setting
1-3 hours 8-12 hours on Low setting
NOTE
These times are approximate. Times
can vary depending on ingredients
and quantities in recipes.
NOTE
High humidity, altitude, cold tap
water/ingredients and minor
fluctuations may slightly affect the
cooking times.
REDUCING QUANTITIES
Recipes in this instruction booklet have
been developed to take full advantage
of the large 6 litre capacity of the slow
cooker. Quantities can be reduced but the
removable crockery bowl should not be
less than half full. Cooking times should be
recalculated and changed accordingly.
ADAPTING LIQUID AMOUNTS
When food is cooked in a slow cooker,
most of the moisture is retained. To allow
for this when using traditional recipes, it is
advisable to halve the liquid content.
However, after cooking, if the liquid quantity
is excessive, remove the lid and operate on
the High setting for 30-45 minutes or until
the liquid reduces by the desired amount.
Alternatively, the liquid can be thickened by
adding a mixture of cornflour and water.