Slow Cooker

[Meg]

Just bought one, I assumed you just bunged all the ingredients in and let it cook slowly. The recipes I've looked at all say to sear first, is that necessary? Thanksxx

[boxtops]

Meg - I don't, and the meat still cooks perfectly well in the slow cooker.

[smoneybags]

I do with beef, because it gives a nicer colour to the finished dish, but don't with lamb because I prefer a paler colour.

[pastafreak]

I do for both colour and flavour...and I do notice a difference if I don't.

[Meg]

Thanks for the replies, I shall try it without frying first and see how it turns out.

[gingejbee]

The results ARE better if you brown meat first, IMO. And I always soften the onions as well...otherwise they retain that harsh "raw onion" taste.

[mccfluff]

i've done both, if i'm making stew i've usually brown the meat first but if i'm short on time i don't bother. i think the flavour is better if you do

[chakka35]

I always thought the point of searing meat was to seal the blood vessels so that blood does not leak out during the cooking. Cooked blood forms awhite scum (which is why it has to be dyed when making black pudding). Perhaps slow cooking breaks this down so that it's not evident at the end.

[jenniferjane224]

It gives a better result with red meat. With chicken I don't tend to bother.