Oven to Crockpot Conversion

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Oven to Crockpot Conversion

General Information

It's difficult to give exact conversion information on translating traditional

oven recipes to the crockpot. Below you will find some general guidelines for

converting your favorite recipes to the crockpot. Since crockpots vary, you

should consult your owner's manual for instructions.

Crockpots may vary but generally, the LOW setting is about 200 degrees F. and

the HIGH setting is about 300 degrees F. One hour on HIGH is approximately equal

to 2 to 2-1/2 hours on LOW. Most crockpot recipes recommend cooking 8-10 hours

on LOW. Some recipes recommend the HIGH setting based on the nature and texture

of the food. You will have to judge your recipe accordingly. For example, beef

cuts will be better cooked on LOW for 8-10 hours to get a more tender texture,

where chicken can be cooked on HIGH 2-1/2 to 3 hours.

Reduce the amount of liquid used in most oven recipes when using the LOW

setting, since the crockpot retains all moisture that usually evaporates when

cooking in the oven. Add liquids for sauces about an hour before done. You will

normally end up with more liquid at the end of cooking times, not less. A

general rule is to reduce liquids by half, unless rice or pasta is in the dish.

Spices may need to be reduced or increased. Whole herbs and spices increase

their flavoring power in crockpot cooking while ground spices may have lost some

flavor. Add ground spices during the last hour of cooking. Whole leaf and herbs

will probably need to be reduced by half.

Rice, noodles, macaroni, seafood, Chinese vegetables and milk do not hold up

well when cooked 8-10 hours. Add these to sauces or liquid about 2 hours before

serving when using LOW setting (or 1 hour on HIGH). If you want to use milk in

an 8-10 hour recipe, use evaporated milk.

Browning meats before cooking is a personal choice. It's not necessary but it

will reduce the fat content of some meats if you brown it before cooking.

Sautéing vegetables (like onions, etc) is not necessary, (except for eggplant

which should be parboiled or sautéed prior due to its strong flavor). Just add

them to the pot with everything else. You may wish to reduce quantities of

stronger vegetables since they will permeate the other foods in the crockpot

with their full flavor.

Dry beans can be cooked overnight on LOW as an alternative to soaking. Cover

with water and add 1 teaspoon of baking soda. Drain and combine with other

ingredients. Be sure beans are softened before adding to any sugar or tomato

mixture.

For best results, use long-grain parboiled/converted raw rice in recipes, and

use standard liquid amounts instead of reducing the liquid. For mixed recipes

requiring pasta, it's best to cook the pasta separately to al dente texture and

add just before serving.

For soups, add water only to cover ingredients. If thinner soup is desired,

more liquid can be added at the end of the cooking time.

General Oven to Crockpot

Cooking Time Conversions

OvenCrockpot

15 to 30 minutes1-1/2 to 2-1/2 hours on HIGH

or 4 to 6 hours on LOW

35 to 45 minutes2 to 3 hours on HIGH

or 6 to 8 hours on LOW

50 minutes to 3 hours4 to 5 hours on HIGH

or 8 to 18 hours on LOW

Most uncooked meat and vegetable combinations

will require at least 8 hours on LOW.

http://homecooking.miningco.com/food/homecooking/library/weekly/blcrocktips.htm

 

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