Slow cooking is a cooking method that uses a low or moderate heat to cook food over a long period of time. I use this method all the time because I find it to be more convenient than using other cooking methods. Moreover, I find the benefits of slow cooking in an oven incomparable to slow cooking in a slow cooker.
Slow cookers, also known as crockpots, are designed to prepare food slowly and gradually over an extended time. However, many cooks I know prefer to use ovens for slow cooking due to the additional benefits that come with them. They claim these benefits far outweigh those offered by slow cookers or crockpots, which I also second the motion.
If you’re wondering why you need to try slow cooking in an oven, here are some of the things I love about it.
Cooks Food Faster
Even though we’re talking about slow cooking, we don’t want our food to be cooked for quite a long time. The average cooking time when using a slow cooker is 5 to 10 hours, depending on the recipe. Compared with conventional ovens, you can expect much faster results as they are usually quicker at preparing meals.
Convection ovens feature fans that facilitate hot air circulation around the food, thereby enabling faster cooking. They are much faster to cook food with than slow cookers due to their usage of heating elements and fans. By circulating hot air around the food, this device allows for quick, even cooking compared to electric coils, which need more time. Fully utilizing convection ovens can speed up the entire meal preparation.
Food Quality is Much Better
There is no doubt that slow cookers can produce incredibly tasty dishes. However, compared to an oven’s slow-cooking process, it quickly becomes apparent that the latter provides superior results. Ovens are able to create a more intense flavor and texture in food due to their capacity for higher temperatures. This allows them to caramelize better and brown ingredients, as well as extract more flavor from herbs and spices.
On top of that, another benefits of slow cooking in an oven is its added versatility when it comes to preparing various types of dishes. Although slow cookers have their advantages, They simply cannot compete with the deliciousness an oven can provide.
Slow cooker cooking typically involves the use of low, consistent heat in order to produce moist and succulent dishes. Unfortunately, for certain recipes, this method of slow cooking is not recommended. As it can result in too much moisture or a lack of flavor intensity. For example, if you want to achieve the golden brown and crispy texture of your food, slow cooking in an oven is your best option.
Disadvantages of Slow Cooking in an Oven
Although ovens are my preferred kitchen appliance when slow cooking, there are inevitably some drawbacks to using them for this purpose. The benefits of slow cooking in an oven are incredible. But we also need to know the cons of this method to know what suits our needs.
Energy-Intensive
Slow cooking in an oven is often a relatively energy-intensive process. It requires considerable amounts of preheating time until the correct temperature has been achieved. This can take hours and may be significantly longer than using alternative cooking techniques. Furthermore, the lengthier duration of this method makes it an inefficient option for those who are short on time. It’s also not favorable for seeking to reduce their energy consumption.
Can Lead to Inconsistency
Additionally, while most recipes don’t call for precise temperatures, they will still vary depending on the type of oven you are using. This can lead to inconsistent results that require further experimentation and adjustment on your part to achieve satisfactory results.
Occupies Huge Space
Unlike slow cookers, ovens require quite a large amount of space in the kitchen. So if you don’t have ample room available, it can become quite inconvenient. Ovens take up a significant amount of space compared to other cooking appliances, making them difficult to fit into smaller kitchen areas.
Generates Residual Heat
Ovens tend to generate a certain amount of residual heat even when not in use. This could cause the kitchen to become quite warm and stuffy during hotter months or if the ventilation is inadequate. This can be quite uncomfortable and may even lead to an increase in your energy bills as you attempt to cool down the area.
Food Tends to Dry Out
Another disadvantage is that some dishes tend to dry out if they are left in the oven too long and not monitored closely enough. This means that timing and proper preparation are essential when slow cooking in an oven.
Tips When Slow cooking Without a Slow Cooker
First, consider whether to cook the dish on the stovetop or in the oven based on what your chosen recipe requires. Make sure that whatever method you decide upon, it is one which will allow your food to be cooked gradually over an extended period of time. This is the key to successful slow cooking!
When it comes to slow cooking in the oven, a cast iron dutch oven is the perfect choice because it evenly distributes heat and locks in flavors for delicious results. This type of oven also has great heat retention, so if you’re looking for a long and slow cook, cast iron dutch ovens are definitely the way to go.
Cast-iron casseroles are often the ideal choice when it comes to baking and cooking dishes, as they retain heat well and evenly. However, you don’t have to limit yourself to just those; glass, ceramic, earthenware, or any other heatproof material casseroles can all work just as well in the kitchen.
For the best results when slow cooking in an oven, it is recommended to lightly sear the meat on the stovetop before placing it inside. This helps to lock in the juices and ensure a more flavorful end product as well as gives it a perfect golden-brown finish.
It may be necessary to make a slight adjustment with the liquid when slow cooking in the oven. This is because, over time, slow cooking can cause the meat to become dry and hard. To ensure that it remains soft throughout the process, you should consider adding more liquid to the recipe. Doing so will help keep your dish moist and flavorful while it is slowly cooked in the oven.
