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Multiple items in a crock pot?

Pearl Sutton

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posted 6 months ago

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Wondering if this is a thing, and there's known good ways to do it...
I'm going to cook beans in the crockpot. I don't need a whole crockpot full of beans. I'd like to cook something else in there too. I'm thinking put the beans in the pot, and put a stainless steel bowl in there with another dish I want cooked slowly. The bean water would act like a double boiler... I think?
Anyone done this? Any tricks before I make a mess? Do I need to lid my bowl or leave it open?

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Christopher Weeks

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posted 6 months ago

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I cook multiple thinks in the instant pot using tools like this: https://www.amazon.com/EasyShopForEveryone-Stackable-Compatible-Casseroles-Interchangeable/dp/B0859JHK64/ I can't think of any reason it wouldn't work in a regular crock-pot. If you want to limit the amount of steam in the second thing, use something with a lid.

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Carla Burke

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posted 6 months ago

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I've never tried it, but it SEEMS to me that it ought to work, depending on the size & shape of your cooker, the size of the bowl, and the amounts & types of food. There's a definite minimum of liquid to put in the bottom, simply to ensure the crock doesn't crack. The size of the pot makes a difference, there - some pots only require a cup or two - others require a much as a quart or two. The contents of the bottom will bubble, so you'll want some space for that. The steam that will cook the contents of the crock will likely flavor the food in the bowl, so it would be a good idea to make them compatible flavors. Beans in the bottom and say, fish in the bowl (just as an example) would probably do very nicely, particularly if the fish is done en papillote, with its own herbs. Or if steamed sausages, veggies, buns, or dumplings were in the top.

I'm curious to see where you go with this!

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Christopher Weeks

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posted 6 months ago

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As for pairings, I'm imagining chili in the bottom and a wet cornbread/pudding in the interior vessel.

Pearl Sutton

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I plan to make Indian food. Want beans, and want veggies in good sauce.

I'll report back. Doing it tomorrow, soaking garbanzos tonight.

Sounds like it's at least not a horrifying idea.

Carla Burke

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Pearl Sutton wrote:I plan to make Indian food. Want beans, and want veggies in good sauce.

I'll report back. Doing it tomorrow, soaking garbanzos tonight.

Sounds like it's at least not a horrifying idea.

I think it's a smart idea. And, I made hummus today, with some black garlic from an awesome friend. I've been craving good Indian food & Thai curries for months. If we could find the ingredients, we'd just make it, ourselves, but some things - especially fresh things just aren't available here.

Pearl Sutton

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Carla Burke wrote: I've been craving good Indian food & Thai curries for months. If we could find the ingredients, we'd just make it, ourselves, but some things - especially fresh things just aren't available here.

I just wing it with what I have. Indian was made to use what they had on hand. I stock spices, and wing the rest of it. Does it taste like a restaurant? No. But it's good. And I get to have it. If I have to wait to buy fresh stuff before I'll cook, I won't get anything. :D

Anne Miller

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posted 6 months ago

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I used to do several jars of yogurt at a time.

I used canning jars though stainless pans will work.

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Pearl Sutton

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It worked well! Yay! I learned a new trick!!

Found a bowl that fit right

and ended up with this

I needed the beans to cook longer than the sweet potatoes, so I started them first, then ended up having to remove them to get the bowl of sweet potatoes in, as they insisted on rolling under the bowl. Got them out, put the bowl in, put the beans back, all went well.

Yay! Good food and a great new trick!!

T Melville

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I did that once when I'd gotten several kinds of bean seeds in trading. We wanted to know what we liked best, so we'd know to plant more. I think someone was already cooking store bought dry beans in the crockpot, but it wasn't full, so I made up several 1/2 pint jelly jars (uncovered) of different kinds of dry beans with a little water and salt and put them in. It worked great.

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