Ambiano XJ-13220I1 Manual Del Usuario página 16

Guide to slow cooking
− Some factors can affect how quickly a recipe will cook, for example:
• the water and fat content of the ingredients (e.g. the higher the fat
content of the meat, the less liquid is required),
• the temperature,
• the size of the ingredients (ingredients which have been cut into pieces
will cook faster).
− If cooking meat and vegetables together, ensure the vegetables are
placed in the bowl first as they take longer to cook. For best results, it is
recommended that hard vegetables are cut into similarly sized pieces to
ensure even cooking. A rule of thumb for slow cooking most of the meat-
and-vegetable recipes is 8–10 hours at a low heat and 4–6 hours at a high
heat.
− When cooking meat with a high fat content, place thick vegetable slices
underneath, so the meat will not sit and cook in the fat.
− Pre-browning meat and vegetable on a pan before slow cooking can lock in
moisture and intensify tenderness and/or flavors.
− Slow cooking has very little evaporation and retains liquid from ingredients
within the ceramic bowl. 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 cook for around 30–45 minutes at a high heat
until the liquid has reduced by the desired amount.
− Always ensure that hot liquid is used when adding to the ceramic bowl
during cooking. Adding cold liquids may cause the ceramic bowl to crack.
− Never place frozen meat or poultry in the slow cooker. It must always be
thoroughly defrosted first.
− Always cook with the lid on. Frequent lifting of the lid during cooking will
extend the cooking time. Do not lift the lid during the first half of the cooking
time.
− Always ensure the food is thoroughly cooked before eating.
− Do not use the slow cooker to reheat food. The temperature rise of a slow
cooker is not fast enough to re-heat cooked food.
− The slow cooker can operate at a low heat all day and night if required. At a
high heat, foods will cook in approximately half the cooking time required at
a low heat. When cooking at a high heat, additional liquid may be required.
− Do not leave the slow cooker unattended when you are cooking at a high
heat as the contents may boil dry.
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