How to handle layer a slow cooker

These steps assume

• The slow cooker is stable and used according to its manual.
• The lid stays closed for most of the cooking time.
• Times are guides; texture and a safe core temperature determine doneness.

What you need

• Evenly cut ingredients
• Slow cooker
• Cutting board
• Tongs
• Lid

Step by step

1. 1

   Cut evenly and sort ingredients by cooking time.

   • Equipment: Slow cooker, measuring cup and spoon.
   • Heat: No heat.
   • Time: 2–5 minutes.
   • Looks like: Firm pieces are evenly sized.
   • If it goes wrong: Potatoes on top stay hard.
   • Done when: Firm pieces are evenly sized.

2. 2

   Place roots low, meat in the middle and liquid around them.

   • Equipment: Slow cooker with lid and timer.
   • Heat: LOW or HIGH as directed.
   • Time: Follow the dish's cooking time.
   • Looks like: Slow-cooking ingredients sit closest to the heat.
   • If it goes wrong: Delicate vegetables added early dissolve.
   • Done when: Slow-cooking ingredients sit closest to the heat.

3. 3

   Add delicate vegetables and fresh herbs near the end.

   • Equipment: Spoon, tongs or thermometer as needed.
   • Heat: Off.
   • Time: 5–15 minutes.
   • Looks like: Every layer has the intended bite and tenderness.
   • If it goes wrong: Overfilling causes uneven heating.
   • Done when: Every layer has the intended bite and tenderness.

If it doesn't turn out as expected

• Potatoes on top stay hard.
• Delicate vegetables added early dissolve.
• Overfilling causes uneven heating.

Food safety

Do not pack an overfilled crock; follow its minimum and maximum marks.