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Food

The One Ingredient That Makes Slow Cooker Meals So Much Better

April 6, 2020 by D.Wolfe
shefinds | Food
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Slow cookers are a must in a busy household. Any one-pot dish you can “set it and forget it” is always a winner. However, if you want to take your recipes up a notch, you need to swap out the water with broth or stock.

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Beef stock

There are many varieties of broths and stocks on the market. Their uses, it seems, are almost unlimited. Most people use broth or stocks interchangeably, but there is a difference. Stocks use meat bones, while broths do not. However, if a recipe calls for broth and you only have stock, it's totally fine to use it.

Chicken stock

The common types of broth are chicken, beef, seafood, and vegetable. You should match the broth to the dish you are cooking. Most of the time, you can use chicken or vegetable broth for anything from beans, grains, and other vegetables.

Fish stock

Broths and stocks infuse extra flavor into ingredients. Since the main function of a slow cooker is to braise food, this gives ample time for the broth or stock to thoroughly infuse into whatever you are cooking. Stock and broth aren’t just limited to soups. Use it as a braising liquid for large cuts of meat too.

vegetable broth

Stocks and broths are available in cartons, cans, and even in condensed cubes or powder. Unless you are getting low to no-sodium versions, broths have plenty of salt in them so you really don’t need to add much more when you are cooking. The next time you want to add a bit more pizazz to your slow cooker dish, pop open a carton of stock.

Author:

Debbie is a home and lifestyle writer. She covers a variety of topics including parenting, travel, DIY, and shopping.

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Various types of bread displayed on a wooden surface.
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Grilled chicken breast served with fries and mixed salad.
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Person enjoying a healthy lunch at a dining table.
Sipping spearmint tea for relaxation and digestion.
Various types of bread displayed on a wooden surface.
Fresh bakery items from Costco, including cakes and pastries.
Woman holding her head, feeling overwhelmed or stressed.
Woman experiencing joint pain, indicating health issues.
Vibrant assortment of groceries from Shutterstock image.
Popular fast food options from Dunkin', Chick-fil-A, and Starbucks.
Woman adding sugar to her aromatic cup of coffee.
Assorted bagels with blueberries and butter on a wooden board.
Comparing cooking spray and olive oil for healthy cooking.
Top view of Brazilian food dish with rice, beans, and chicken.
Checking time on a watch during breakfast.
Display of deli meats and sandwiches in a grocery store.
Cooked salmon served with rice, avocado, and greens.
Inside view of a Costco store showcasing various products.
Woman taking magnesium supplement for health benefits.
Selection of S'mores brownies and baked ricotta from Aldi.
Grilled chicken breast served with fries and mixed salad.
Frozen pizza options available in a grocery store aisle.