Essential Slow Cooker Accessories Every Indian Cook Needs

Slow cookers have emerged as one of the most popular appliances in the Indian kitchens. They help in preparing delicious dals, stews, rajma, curries, and desserts with least supervision. The appliance allows various slow cooker recipes to cook slowly over several hours thus boosting flavours and textures significantly. But, if you have the right accessories handy, you will not only attain best results but cooking will become easier, safer, and efficient.

8 Essential Slow Cooker Accessories

1. Tempered Glass Lid or Spare: A large number of slow cookers come with a glass lid, but a spare glass lid can be highly useful in case of an accidental breakage. When you have a tempered glass lid, it helps you monitor cooking without lifting it that can maintain consistent temperature and cooking time. It is particularly crucial for slow-cooked dishes such as chole or mutton curry.

2. Extra Inner Pot Or Insert: An extra inner port is one of the most important and practical accessories. It helps you make several dishes without having to wash the main insert. For instance, you may prepare dal in pot and switch to cook a vegetable curry in another. It also assists you in case you desire to refrigerate leftovers directly in the insert while using the slow cooker once again.

3. Silicone Ladle & Spatula: Metal spoon can leave scratches on the ceramic or non-stick coating of slow cooker inserts. Silicone ladles and spatula offer heat resistance without being harsh on the surface. They are perfect for stirring thick curries, dal, sambhar, or halwa without causing any harm to the pot.    

4. Measuring Cups & Spoons: Slow cookers will need an exact liquid and spice measurements for right consistency and flavour. Measuring cups and spoons will assist in ensuring balanced seasoning while preparing dishes such as pulao, desserts, and soups. Precise measurements can prevent dishes from becoming excessive salty or watery.  

5. Slow Cooker Liners:  Slow cooker liners are heat-safe that can fit inside the pot without any hassle. They are disposable that can make cleaning absolutely convenient especially after preparing oily foods and sticky dishes like butter chicken or caramel desserts. These liners are extremely helpful for busy households, according to a report published in Slow Cooking Perfected.   

6. Small Frying Pan: Many people prefer to add a final tempering or tadka of spices. As slow cooker do not offer high heat for tempering, a small frying pan is essential. You can instantly heat oil in the small frying pan with essential ingredients and pour it over the cooked dish for improved flavour and texture.  

7. Thermometer: It is optional but can be very useful. A thermometer will be great while preparing dishes such as chicken curry or mutton stew. It ensures that the dish achieves a safe internal temperature while staying tender and juicy.  

8. Storage Containers:  Slow cookers can make food in larger quantities. When you have airtight storage containers handy, they can preserve leftovers safely in refrigerators. Glass containers can be highly convenient for reheating.