What could be easier than cooking pasta? But this process also has its subtleties and features that must be taken into account. Today we will consider methods for making pasta in a slow cooker. We present not only the basic recipe, but also the options for dishes with various additives. So let's get started!
Basic recommendations
How to cook pasta in a slow cooker so that both adults and children like them? First, you should familiarize yourself with some rules:
- For successful cooking in a multicooker of any company, it is necessary to load products correctly. First, pasta is immersed in the bowl of the device, and then water is poured. In this case, the liquid must completely break the product.
- In water, add a tablespoon of vegetable or cream based oil. Thanks to this component, pasta will be crumbly and will not turn into one big lump.
- To cook pasta in a slow cooker, you should use functions such as Steaming, Pilaf, or Pasta.
- As for the duration of preparation, the exact time is indicated on the packaging with the product. Usually it is from 7 to 12 minutes. When using a slow cooker, the cooking time should be increased by 2 minutes.
The above recommendations, of course, will help to prepare a delicious dish. However, to get the perfect result, you need to try various cooking methods and hone your skills. In any case, it’s worth starting with the simplest recipes.
The classics remain immortal
After reviewing the basic rules, let's learn how to cook pasta in a slow cooker according to the classic recipe. As usual, start with a list of ingredients:
- any pasta - 250 g;
- non-chlorinated water - 350 ml;
- butter - 1 tsp;
- salt to taste.
The cooking process is very simple. To begin, pour pasta into the device's container. Finely chop the butter here. Gently pour water over the wall of the bowl so that it completely covers the food. Do not forget to salt.
Close the device and select the "Paste" function, if available. This mode allows you to cook the product by slow evaporation of the liquid. Cooking time is not more than 9 minutes.
It is worth noting that this mode allows you to install a grill over the bowl and cook steamed vegetables. To make them more fragrant, you can season them with spices and creamy sauce. Pasta in combination with such vegetables are very tasty.
Stuffed shells
This is another popular multicooker pasta recipe. There is nothing complicated about it. The method can be mastered even by a young hostess. But first, a list of ingredients:
- shells (large) - 400 g;
- minced meat, preferably from poultry meat - 500 g;
- cheese, pre-grated - 1 cup;
- bulb;
- vegetable oil - 3 tbsp. l .;
- fresh herbs (but you can add dried herbs);
- salt.
To create such a dish, you can use almost any large-sized pasta that remains solid when cooking in a pan. In a slow cooker, such products quickly reach the desired state, without boiling at the same time.
Cooking stuffing
So, let's start making pasta dishes. Shells in a slow cooker are juicy and fragrant. The main thing is to do everything right. To get started, prepare the filling. To do this, put the minced meat in a pan and fry. Peel the onion, chop finely. Mix it with minced meat. Remember to add spices and salt. Heat treatment can be completed only after the complete preparation of the products.
Final stage
Carefully fill the pasta with the filling and place in the bowl of the device. Pour water on the wall so that it covers the food a few centimeters. Add salt as well as dried laurel leaves.
Now you have to choose the desired mode. Cook pasta in a slow cooker with filling in Pilaf mode. The cooking time in this case is of particular importance. To get shells with filling, you need to cook them for 40 minutes. If you are afraid to digest, set the timer for 20 minutes. Check availability. Continue the cooking process if necessary.
Put shells with minced meat in prepared dishes, and then sprinkle with grated cheese mixed with herbs. Serve hot.
How to cook nests?
Not everyone knows that you can cook pasta nests in a slow cooker. This is not difficult. And the model of the device does not matter much. To get started, prepare graying products:
- pasta nests - 8 pcs.;
- chicken fillet - 300 g;
- cheese, pre-grated - 2/3 cup;
- water - as needed;
- ketchup (can be replaced with tomato paste) - 3 tbsp. l .;
- 2 onions;
- spices, salt.
When choosing products, be careful. Do not try to replace poultry with beef. This product may take longer to prepare. As a result, the filling may be damp. If you increase the cooking time, then the pasta will not retain their shape. And this will affect the appearance of the dish and its taste.
So let's get started
To get started, place the pasta nests on the bottom of the bowl. They should be placed so that the distance between them is minimal, but the workpieces are not in contact. Chop the onion and mix with the minced meat. Add salt and various spices to the mixture. Gently lay the filling on the slots. Lubricate them with ketchup or tomato paste. Pour water over the wall. It should cover the nests at ½ of their height. Add salt, but do not forget that this component is present in the filling.
Select the “Pilaf” function. In this mode, the device starts the steaming, and then only fry the dish. Time should be selected independently. It depends on the thickness and density of the pasta. The approximate cooking time is 12-25 minutes.
Put the finished dish on plates, sprinkle with grated cheese and fresh herbs. Serve hot.
In conclusion
Now you know how to cook delicious pasta in such a wonderful device like a slow cooker. Do not be afraid to experiment. Add vegetables and sauces, meat products to your dish. An ideal dish can be obtained by prolonged honing of your skills.