Of all of our favorite kitchen appliances, the slow cooker trends toward the top of the list. Since the first version of this handy tool came to the American market in the 1950s (via CNET), its become a common presence in many home kitchens, helping to prepare fruity al pastor pork, eggy, cheesy breakfast casserole, and hearty split pea soup, to name just a few dishes. The slow cooker is a surprising winner for unexpected uses, such as making large portions of creamy oatmeal or rice congee and serving warm mulled wine and cider during holiday dinner parties and cookie swaps, too.
Although the Instant Pot is most likely the popular hands-off appliance most of us think of first, slow cookers are no slouch: According to Food & Wine, theyre found in more than 80 percent of American homes. And though theyre great for cooking a huge variety of dishes, it might be best to avoid slow cooking any recipes which call for a substantial amount of alcohol.
6. Alcohol. Many stews call for wine, beer or other alcohol as a flavour enhancer. However, slow cookers don’t reach the temperature needed to boil away the alcohol, so you’ll end up with an unpleasant, alcoholic taste instead of mellow flavours.
Most alcohol in recipes cooks off
For those of us that like to cook, its more than likely that weve prepared a dish that calls for some form of alcohol: think of coq au vin, a French dish of chicken braised in wine; boeuf bourguignon, also a French stew featuring wine and, in this case, beef; and vodka sauce, the creamy tomato sauce spiked with vodka thats often tossed with penne pasta. While all of these dishes feature quantities of alcohol ranging from miniscule to generous, they have something else in common, too: At least a little bit — and possibly a lot — of the alcohol used in the dish will “burn off” as it cooks.
According to Food Network, foods cooked with alcohol (or baked, such as a rum cake) will have less alcohol content at the end of cooking. In their example, a pot roast made with wine and roasted for more than two hours retains only five percent of the original quantity of alcohol, though dishes with more alcohol and a shorter cook time will retain more. But heres the thing: Many of the dishes we prepare with alcohol are made in a pot or baking dish thats uncovered for at least part of the cooking process, allowing the alcohol to evaporate.
I love spending time on certain dishes, but not every night of the week. But I also believe that this inclination to embrace simplicity doesn’t mean we should have to give up on bold flavors and impressive meals for the sake of what they are–good food.
I mean, don’t get me wrong, I love the detail and effort that goes into certain dishes. The pouring over ingredients, the careful measuring of amounts and portions. The impeccable plating and presentation involved in that “wow” moment when the meal hits the table. It’s divine.
That’s why my crock pot is my most-used, most-loved, and most-featured kitchen tool in the kitchen and on this blog. I adore that I can spend just a little prep time getting the right ingredients together and then letting the crock pot do all the work. Sigh. It’s perfection nearly every single time. And this chicken dish is an absolutely perfect example of that simplicity shining bright. Crock Pot Red Wine Chicken is a dream to make, and a pleasure to eat.
Ah, simplicity. I love it. I crave it on busy weeknights. And I can’t live without it when I’m at a loss for what to get on the table during the week. My trusty crock pot makes life, and dinner, so darned simple.
Chicken. It can be so boring. But chicken is made every night in homes around the country! Kick the bland chicken dish you always make and save the day–and dinner–with this ridiculously simple Crock Pot Red Wine Chicken!
How to Add Wine to Crock-Pot Recipes : Food & Wine Pairing
FAQ
Can wine be used in a slow cooker?
Does cooking wine remove the alcohol?
How long does wine take to cook off?
What wine goes well with a crock pot roast?
Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Bordeaux, Shiraz, or Rioja. This tender and juicy Slow Cooker Pot Roast is made with Red Wine for a flavorful dinner. A rustic meal that uses simple ingredients like a chuck roast, carrots, potatoes, onions, and red wine to make a savory meal that cooks slowly in the crockpot.
Can a slow cooker pot roast be made with red wine?
Slow Cooker Pot Roast made with red wine is easy to make and delicious, packed with meat and veggies. A perfectly tender and fall apart recipe for any occasion! By using the Slow Cooker for this meal, the meat will come out extremely tender and juicy, and among the best, you can have!
How do you cook a roast in a crock pot?
Set the roast aside and use approximately ½ cup of the red wine to deglaze the bottom of the skillet. Add vegetables and add the beef to slow cooker – Then add in the onions, carrots and potatoes to a crock pot. Then place the browned beef roast on top and pour the red wine from the skillet in the crock pot as well.
Can you make Italian red wine roast beef in a crock pot?
This Italian Red Wine Roast Beef is a classic dinner that can be made in the oven or in the crock-pot. Served with potatoes and green beans it’s a favorite!