When to Add Baby Potatoes to Slow Cooker
Slow cooking is a great way to cook a meal without much effort or time spent checking on it. It’s also a way to cook without losing the flavor of the ingredients. One versatile ingredient is the baby potatoes which can be added to a slow cooker to get a delicious and nutritious side dish. But when to add the baby potatoes to the slow cooker can vary depending on the other ingredients used and the desired outcome.
Using Potatoes in a Slow Cooker
In order to get the best results when using baby potatoes in a slow cooker, it’s important to understand the timing of it.
- When to add minerals: Minerals such as onion, garlic, and carrots should be added before the potatoes if you want them to soften and pick up the flavor of the other ingredients.
- When to add liquids: If adding liquids such as broth and butter, it’s best to add them after the potatoes. This will help to prevent the potatoes from becoming overly soft and help ensure that the flavor is evenly distributed.
- When to add spices: It’s important to add spices after the potatoes so they don’t overpower the flavor of the entire dish. Adding spices such as garlic powder, paprika, and rosemary right before serving can add a great flavor to the dish.
- When to add herbs: Fresh or dried herbs can be added right at the end of a slow cooker cooking time. This will help to bring out the flavor of the herbs without losing the delicate taste of the potatoes.
Tips for Adding Baby Potatoes to a Slow Cooker
When adding baby potatoes to a slow cooker, there are a few tips that can help ensure the best results.
- Cut potatoes into evenly sized pieces: This will ensure that the potatoes cook evenly and that there are no hard pieces of potato in your dish.
- Leave skin on: Leaving the skin on the potatoes will help to give the dish more texture and flavor.
- Shake the slow cooker: Shaking the slow cooker every few hours will help distribute the flavor and ensure that the potatoes are cooking evenly.
- Add less liquid: Since potatoes absorb liquid quickly, it’s best to add only enough liquid to cover the potatoes.
When done correctly, adding baby potatoes to a slow cooker can give you a delicious side dish. It’s quick and easy, and the potatoes will absorb all the flavors of the other ingredients. Use the tips and timing presented above for the best results.