crockpots
Low-heat kitchen vessels
Crockpots is a trademark that has become generic for slow cookers—electric countertop appliances that cook food at low temperatures over several hours.
The long, unattended cooking suits stews, roasts, and beans: I threw everything in the crockpot this morning and dinner was ready when I got home.
Also spelled as two words or lowercase.
Sear, then simmer covered
- stewingCooking low and slow
- simmeringCooking below boiling point
- tenderizingMaking food less tough
- carnitasBraised then crisped pork
chili · soup · broth · beans · lentils · oxtail · adobo · birria
Able to accept instructions
- timerDuration-tracking mechanism
- lidRemovable container cover
- ovalElongated rounded shape
- roundCurved like circle
countertop · electric · thermostat · dishwasher-safe · nonstick · handles · cord · digital
Requires no further adjustment
- hands-offNot directly involved
- meal-prepPreparing food in advance
- weeknightNon-weekend evening
- potluckCommunal meal, shared contributions
time-saving · unattended · all-day · overnight · budget-friendly · leftovers · make-ahead
Forming successive strata
- browningFood darkening when cooked
- searingBrowning with intense heat
- deglazingDissolving pan drippings
- low-and-slowGentle, prolonged heat
collagen · fork-tender · condensation · aromatics · thickening · reducing · timing · overcooking
braising
Sear, then simmer covered
- stewingCooking low and slow
- simmeringCooking below boiling point
- tenderizingMaking food less tough
carnitas · chili · soup · broth · beans · lentils · oxtail · adobo · birria · rendang
programmable
Able to accept instructions
round · countertop · electric · thermostat · dishwasher-safe · nonstick · handles · cord · digital · manual
set-and-forget
Requires no further adjustment
potluck · time-saving · unattended · all-day · overnight · budget-friendly · leftovers · make-ahead
layering
Forming successive strata
- browningFood darkening when cooked
- searingBrowning with intense heat
- deglazingDissolving pan drippings
low-and-slow · collagen · fork-tender · condensation · aromatics · thickening · reducing · timing · overcooking · mushiness
- Potluckcasseroles, green bean casserole, baked beans, fried chicken, mac and cheese
- Food Warmerschafing dishes, hot plates, warming trays, bain-marie, heat lamps
crockpotspressure cookers
Sealed pots using steam
woks · broilers · deep fryers · microwaves · salamanders
- crockpot recipesMeals for countertop braisers
- crockpot dishMeal made by simmering