The slow cooker: your ally for comforting dinners

In one-pot mode, all the ingredients simmer together, infusing each other with their flavours, and result in a delicious and well-balanced dish. 

As a bonus, it allows you to cook in large quantities — perfect for freezing and having homemade meals ready when time is short. Ideal for busy weeknight dinners or relaxed weekends, the slow cooker simplifies meal prep while reducing dishes to a minimum. 

Poultry and pork take center stage 

The slow cooker is ideal for cooking a wide variety of cuts such as pork shoulder, ham, pork tenderloin, and chicken breasts. Thanks to its slow and even cooking, it tenderizes even the toughest cuts while preserving essential nutrients. The result: comforting, nourishing, and perfectly cooked dishes, effortlessly. 

Slow Cooker Pulled Pork with Autumn Spices and Sweet Potatoes 

Servings: 4  

Prep Time: 15 minutes  

Cook Time: Low setting (7 to 8 hours) or high setting (4 to 5 hours) 

Ingredients 

• 800 g Olymel pork shoulder, cut into large chunks 

• 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed 

• 1 onion, thinly sliced 

• 2 garlic cloves, minced 

• 250 ml (1 cup) vegetable or chicken broth 

• 2 tbsp maple syrup 

• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard 

• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar 

• 1 tsp ground cinnamon 

• ½ tsp ground nutmeg 

• ½ tsp ground ginger 

• Salt and pepper, to taste 

• Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish (optional) 

Instructions 

1. Place the pork, sweet potatoes, onion, and garlic in the slow cooker. 

2. In a bowl, mix the broth, maple syrup, mustard, vinegar, and spices. 

3. Pour the mixture over the ingredients in the slow cooker. 

4. Cook on your chosen setting until the pork is very tender. 

5. Shred the pork with two forks directly in the slow cooker and mix well. 

6. Serve hot, garnished with cilantro or parsley, alongside rice, quinoa, or rustic bread. 

Mild Chicken Chili in the Slow Cooker 

Servings: 4 

Prep Time: 15 minutes 

Cook Time: Low setting (6 to 7 hours) or high setting (3 to 4 hours) 

Ingredients 

• 500 g Olymel chicken breasts, cut into cubes 

• 1 can red kidney beans (540 ml), rinsed and drained 

• 1 can corn kernels (341 ml), drained 

• 1 can diced tomatoes (796 ml) 

• 1 small onion, chopped 

• 2 garlic cloves, minced 

• 1 tbsp sweet paprika 

• 1 tbsp ground cumin 

• 1 tsp dried oregano 

• 1 tbsp brown sugar (optional) 

• 250 ml (1 cup) chicken broth 

• Juice of ½ lime (optional) 

• Salt and pepper, to taste 

• Toppings: Fresh cilantro, sour cream, or shredded cheese (optional) 

 Instructions 

1. Place all ingredients in the slow cooker, except lime juice and toppings. 

2. Stir gently to distribute the spices evenly. 

3. Cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. 

4. Add lime juice just before serving. 

5. Serve hot, topped with fresh cilantro, sour cream, or shredded cheese if desired. 

Citrus and Mustard Toupie Ham 

Servings: 6 to 8 

Prep time: 10 minutes 

Cook time: Low setting (6 to 7 hours) 

Ingredients 

• 1 Olymel toupie style smoked ham 1 kg 

• ½ cup orange juice 

• ¼ cup pineapple juice 

• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard 

• 2 tbsp honey 

• 1 onion, quartered 

• 1 garlic clove, minced 

• Pepper to taste 

Instructions 

1. Place the ham in the slow cooker. 

2. In a bowl, mix the citrus juices, mustard, honey, garlic, and pepper. 

3. Pour the mixture over the ham. Add the onion quarters around it. 

4. Cover and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours, or until the ham is tender and easily shredded with a fork. 

5. Remove the ham, slice or shred it. 

6. Reduce the cooking juices in a saucepan to make a sauce if desired, and serve with basmati rice. 

A variety of recipes in a single dish 

The slow cooker isn't limited to main dishes—it shines with its versatility. It can be used to prepare a wide range of recipes: soups, stews, chilis, pasta, sauces, and even some desserts. It also excels at cooking sides like chicken broth rice, caramelized root vegetables, or maple syrup apples, which pair wonderfully with pork and poultry. 

Chef's tip: sear the meat before slow cooking 

To enhance the flavours, consider searing the pork for a few minutes in a pan before placing it in the slow cooker. This simple step helps develop aromas and adds depth to your dishes. A small gesture that makes a big difference!