Lakeland 27216 User manual

INSTRUCTION BOOKLET
Model: 27216
6.5L SEARING
SLOW COOKER

2
LAKELAND 6.5L SEARING SLOW COOKER
Thank you for choosing the Lakeland Searing Slow Cooker.
Please take a little time to read this booklet before getting started and keep it in a safe
place for future reference.
This Searing Slow Cooker is fantastic for six people, with a silicone sealed glass lid for
easy viewing, which you lock in place. Easy to use control panel and cooking functions
for browning, sautéing, searing, slow cooking, steaming and yoghurt. There is a keep
warm function for up to 4 hours.
Here at Lakeland, our award-winning family-owned business still offers the same
excellent quality, value for money and exceptional customer service as when we founded
the company back in the 1960s.
Our products are hand-picked and thoroughly tested so you can be sure that everything
you purchase will be a pleasure to use for many years to come.

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CONTENTS
Product features ...............................................................................................................................4
Control panel .....................................................................................................................................5
Safety Cautions ............................................................................................................................. 6-8
Using your Searing Slow Cooker for the rst time .....................................................................9
Instructions for use...................................................................................................................10-14
A guide to ingredients and hints and tips ................................................................................. 15
Preparing ingredients guide ........................................................................................................ 16
Steaming guide .........................................................................................................................17-18
Recipes .......................................................................................................................................19-22
Making home-made yoghurt ....................................................................................................... 23
A guide to yoghurt ingredients and hints and tips .............................................................24-25
Yoghurt serving suggestions ...................................................................................................... 26
Frequently asked questions ........................................................................................................ 27
Care and cleaning .......................................................................................................................... 28
Technical information.................................................................................................................... 29
Electrical connections .................................................................................................................. 29
Recycling your electricals ............................................................................................................ 29

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PRODUCT FEATURES
1
4
1. Glass lid with silicone seal and knob
2. Steam vent
3. Rack
4. Locking lid handles
5. Aluminium non-stick cooking pot
6. Control panel
7. Main unit
8. Anti-slip feet
9. Cord and plug
5
6
9
3
2
7
8

5
CONTROL PANEL
10. Power / start button
11. Menu button
12. Increase cooking time button
10
13
15
11
14
12
• When the appliance is switched on, it will beep and there will be 4 red dashes in the
middle of the panel.
• If nothing is pressed for 60 seconds the appliance will default back into a standby
mode and nothing will be illuminated.
• If this happens press the POWER/START button to reactivate the control panel. 
• Press the MENU button to select your desired function, it will start at the browning
function in the top left corner and move through the functions in an anti-clockwise
direction.
• Once you have reached your desired function, the control panel will show the default
time. Use the + and - buttons to increase or decrease the cooking time for the selected
function, within the available time range.
• The slow cooker allows 60 seconds for you to conrm the function and timing and to
start cooking before it starts beeping. This indicates that the slow cooker is turned on
but not yet cooking.
• Select the POWER/START button to conrm the function and start cooking, the dot on
the POWER/START button will be illuminated.
• The CANCEL button can be pressed at any time to stop and cancel the function. The
slow cooker will return to standby mode.
• The KEEP WARM button when pressed will keep the appliance warm for 4 hours
before going into standby MENU, the button will illuminate green.
• To turn the slow cooker off, hold the POWER/ START button for 3 seconds. The slow
cooker should also be switched off and unplugged from the mains socket.
13. Decrease cooking time button
14. Cancel button
15. Keep warm button

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SAFETY CAUTIONS
Carefully read all the instructions before using the appliance and keep in a safe place
for future reference. Always follow these safety cautions when using the appliance to
avoid personal injury or damage to the appliance. This appliance should be used only as
described in this instruction book.
•This appliance can be used by children aged from 8 years and
above and persons with reduced physical, sensory or mental
capabilities or lack of experience and knowledge if they have
been given supervision or instruction concerning use of the
appliance in a safe way and understand the hazards involved.
Children shall not play with the appliance. Cleaning and user
maintenance shall not be done by children unless they are older
than 8 and supervised.
• Make sure your electricity supply matches the voltage shown on the appliance.
• Ensure all packaging materials and any promotional labels or stickers are removed
from the appliance before the rst use.
• Always inspect the appliance before use for noticeable signs of damage. Do not use if
damaged or has been dropped. In the event of damage, or if the appliance develops a
fault, contact the Lakeland customer care team on 015394 88100 or
[email protected]
• DO NOT use this appliance if the lead is damaged. Contact Lakeland customer care
team on 015394 88100 or [email protected]
• Always use the appliance on a dry, level, heat resistant surface.
• Unplug from the mains when not in use and before cleaning. Allow to cool before
cleaning the appliance. To disconnect, turn the socket to ‘off‘ and remove the plug
from the mains socket.
• DO NOT use any accessories or attachments with this appliance other than those
recommended by Lakeland.
• To protect against re, electric shock or personal injury, do not immerse cord, plug or
outer unit in water or other liquids.
• DO NOT leave the lead hanging over the edge of a kitchen table or worktop. Avoid
contact between the lead and hot surfaces.
• For indoor use only.
• For domestic use only.
• This appliance should be used for preparation of food as described within the
instructions for use that accompany it.

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• Always ensure that your hands are dry before removing the plug from the mains
socket. Never pull the plug out of the mains socket by its lead.
• To avoid injury or possible re, do not cover the appliance when in use.
• Not recommended to be used with a plug in timer switch.
• An extension cable may be used with care. The electrical rating of the cable should be
at least as great as the appliance. Do not allow the cable to hang over the edge of the
worktop or touch any hot surfaces.
• This appliance complies with the basic requirements of Directives 2014/30/EU
(Electromagnetic Compatibility) and 2014/35/EU (Low Voltage Directive).
• WARNING: A cut off plug inserted into a 13 amp socket is a serious safety
(shock) hazard. Ensure the cut off plug is disposed of safely.
• CAUTION: The plastic bags used to wrap this appliance or the packaging may be
dangerous. To avoid risk of suffocation, keep these bags out of reach of babies
and children. These bags are not toys.
• Always switch off and unplug before lifting out the cooking pot, and when not in use.
Let the Searing Slow Cooker cool down before moving or cleaning.
• The Searing Slow Cooker should be unplugged from the mains supply before lling or
emptying the cooking pot.
• Never operate the slow cooker without food and liquid in the removable cooking pot.
Ensure the cooking pot is at least ½ to ¾ full of food or liquid before switching on the
slow cook functions or yoghurt function.
• The cooking pot must be in place to use this appliance.
• To avoid electric shock or damage, never put food directly into the Searing Slow
Cooker main unit. Always use the cooking pot.
• Be careful when putting the cooking pot on work surfaces, the bottom of the cooking
pot may scratch and damage tables and worktops. Always place the cooking pot on a
heat resistant mat or trivet.
• DO NOT use a damaged or cracked cooking pot, making sure the exterior of which is
clean and dry.
• DO NOT use any other cooking pot or bowl inside the main unit other than the one
provided.
• Position the Searing Slow Cooker well away from walls, curtains and other heat or
steam sensitive materials. When using the Searing Slow Cooker, provide adequate
space above and on all sides for air circulation at least 20cm.
• Always use plastic, wooden or silicone utensils, as metal utensils will damage the non-
stick coating.
• If using plastic utensils, do not leave inside the appliance when hot or on warm setting.

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• The glass lid has been specially treated to make it stronger, more durable and safer
than ordinary glass, however it is not unbreakable, please use caution when handling
the glass lid.
• Always have the glass lid placed correctly into position on the cooking pot throughout
operation of the appliance unless stated in the recipe to have it removed.
• DO NOT move the appliance during cooking.
• Avoid sudden temperature changes.
• DO NOT place frozen or very cold foods into the removable cooking bowl when it
is hot.
• DO NOT put the cooking pot or glass lid in the oven.
• DO NOT put the cooking pot or glass lid in the oven.
• DO NOT put the cooking pot or glass lid in the microwave.
• DO NOT use the cooking pot on any type of hob.
• If you are not home during the slow cooking function and there is a power cut, throw
away the food even if it looks cooked.
• If you are at home during the slow cooking function and there is a power cut, nish
cooking the ingredients immediately by some other means such as a gas stove, or
elsewhere, where the power is on.
• When you are at home, and if the food was completely cooked before the power cut,
the food should remain safe up to two hours in the Searing Slow Cooker with
power off.
WARNING – HOT SURFACES
• The surfaces marked with this symbol will get
very hot during use. To prevent injury, DO NOT TOUCH.
Let the product cool completely before touching
these surfaces, and always use the handles to
move the appliance or lift the lid.
• Position the lid, with the steam vent directed away
from you. Take care when removing the lid, tilt it
away from you to prevent being scalded by
hot steam.
• Always use oven gloves. Take care when lifting the
cooking pot out of the Searing Slow Cooker
with hot food inside.

9
USING YOUR SEARING SLOW COOKER
FOR THE FIRST TIME
• Unpack the Searing Slow Cooker, remove all of the packaging materials.
• Before rst use, wipe the outside of the Searing Slow Cooker with a clean, damp cloth.
• Wash the glass lid, cooking pot and trivet in hot, soapy water, rinse and dry thoroughly.
• Make sure that all parts are clean and dry before putting the cooking pot inside the
Searing Slow Cooker.
• Always use plastic, wooden or silicone spatulas, as metal utensils will damage
non-stick coatings.
• Always use dry oven gloves or a cloth when handling the hot cooking pot, as this will
get hot during and after cooking.
• Be careful when moving the cooking pot containing hot oil or liquids.
WARNING: Product will become hot, always use oven gloves.
• Ensure that the main unit and the exterior of the removable cooking pot are clean and
clear of any debris before placing the cooking pot into the main unit.
• Place the glass lid on the cooking pot so it is level and resting on the cooking pot lip.
Push the lid locks on both handles towards the lid knob until they clip into place.
• The lid is locked onto the cooking pot but the cooking pot can still be easily removed
from the main unit using the cooking pot handles.
• The removable cooking pot is aluminium with a non-stick coating, it is NOT suitable
for use on any type of hob, a microwave or oven.
• All cooking tasks must be completed with the cooking pot securely placed in the
main unit.
• DO NOT lift the removable cooking pot with the lid knob. Use the cooking pot handles
on both sides.
• DO NOT touch hot surfaces. Use the handles for lifting and carrying the slow cooker
and use dry oven mitts to remove the lid and or removable cooking pot.
• Lift and remove the lid carefully and angled away from you to avoid scalding from
escaping steam. Allow the slow cooker to cool completely before moving or cleaning
any parts.
• The temperature of accessible surfaces will be high when the slow cooker is
operating and for some time after use.
• The temperature for all functions is preset and is not adjustable.

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INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE
• Place the Searing Slow Cooker on a at heat resistant surface near a socket.
• The Searing Slow Cooker must be used in a well ventilated area, at least 20cm away
from walls and other surfaces to allow sucient airow.
• When using the Searing Slow Cooker for the rst time you may notice a slight burning
smell. This is normal for a new heating element and will disappear after a few uses.
• This Searing Slow Cooker has a working capacity of 6 litres, to allow for bubbling
and simmering.
• The Searing Slow Cooker should be at least half full, unless you are using the
browning functions.
• Prepare your ingredients. Put them inside the cooking pot and add the lid and push
the lid locks on the cooking pot handles towards the knob on the glass lid until they
clip into place.
• Let the main unit cool completely before moving.
• DO NOT put the cooking pot or glass lid in the oven.
• DO NOT put the cooking pot or glass lid in the microwave.
• DO NOT use the cooking pot on any type of hob.

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SEARING SLOW COOKER FUNCTIONS
BROWNING FUNCTIONS
• The slow cooker has 5 browning functions for all sautéing, browning and searing
tasks.
• These functions are ideal for sealing meats and pre-cooking vegetables prior to slow
cooking, allowing you to seal in avours and juices creating more avoursome slow
cooked dishes.
• Place a small amount of oil in the bottom of the cooking pot and place on the lid.
• Select the desired browning function using the MENU button.
• The default time for all of the browning functions is 15 minutes, if more time is
required, use the + and – buttons, the time will increase or decrease in 5 minute
intervals from a range of 5-60 minutes.
• Select the POWER/ START button to conrm the selection, the light next to the
selected function will illuminate red.
• The browning functions all enter into an automatic preheat.
• The display will ash a rectangle and the slow cooker will start preheating.
• When the slow cooker beeps and the timer starts counting down, the preheat is
complete and ready to start the browning functions.
• Place the ingredients in the cooking pot. This function works best with the lid placed
on the appliance, removing occasionally to turn the ingredients with a non-stick
utensil.
• The high sear function works best without the lid on the cooking pot.
• You can press the CANCEL button at any time.
• When you have nished the browning function, use the MENU button to select the
desired function for slow cooking.
• Once the timer reaches zero, the unit will beep and switch into standby MENU.
Function Temperature
(Approx.)
Default time Range
Gentle 100°C 15 minutes 5-60 minutes
Low 120°C 15 minutes 5-60 minutes
Medium 150°C 15 minutes 5-60 minutes
Sauté 170°C 15 minutes 5-60 minutes
High Sear 180°C 15 minutes 5-60 minutes

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SLOW COOK FUNCTION (LOW AND HIGH)
• Ensure the cooking pot is securely placed into the main unit of the slow cooker.
• Place the ingredients in the cooking pot, with them spread evenly across the base.
Lock the lid on to the appliance.
• Press MENU button to choose the correct slow cook function.
• To adjust the cooking time, press the – and + buttons accordingly.
• After you have chosen the function, press the POWER/START button to start the
cooking. The control panel will show the time remaining in red in the middle and will
count down.
• When the cooking process has nished and the timer has reached zero, the appliance
will beep 5 times.
• When using this function after cooking has nished, the appliance will enter into the
KEEP WARM function automatically and the red dot will appear on the KEEP WARM
button to show it is using this function.
• Use LOW: if you wish to extend the cooking time, ideal for simmering and slow
cooking.
• Use HIGH: if you wish to shorten the cooking time, ideal for faster cooking. Some
ingredients may boil when cooked on this setting, so you may need to add extra liquid,
depending on the recipe. Stirring, occasionally would be recommended.
• All cooking times are approximate and will vary according to your recipe and choice of
ingredients.
PLEASE NOTE: Lifting the lid of the Searing Slow Cooker during cooking results in
temperature loss and adds about 25 minutes to the cooking time. Avoid lifting the lid
except when stirring, or adding ingredients.
STEAM FUNCTION
• Ensure the cooking pot is clean before steaming.
• Place the rack inside the cooking pot, add 1 to 1.3 litres of water into the cooking pot,
to ensure it sits just below the rack. It will take approximately 10 minutes for the water
to start boiling.
• Choose Steam function by pressing the MENU button.
• Food to be steamed can either be placed on the rack and then the POWER/START
button pressed or start the function and when the water is boiling, carefully remove
the lid and add your ingredients.
• Lock the lid in place whilst you are steaming.
• The default time is 20 minutes, to change the time, press the – and + buttons to adjust
accordingly. The time range is from 10 minutes to 2 hours in 1 minute increments.

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• After you have chosen the function, press the POWER/START button to start the
cooking. The control panel will show the time remaining in red in the middle and will
count down.
• Monitor the water levels during the cooking process, if more water is required, unlock
the lid and remove using an oven glove, tilting the lid away for you.
• When the cooking process has nished and the timer has reached zero, the appliance
will beep 5 times and 4 dashes will appear in the middle of the control panel.
• Switch off at the socket and unplug the appliance.
• Carefully unlock the lid and remove with oven gloves, tilting it away from you.
• Remove the steamed food using tongs.
• Allow the rack to cool completely before removing from the cooking pot.
YOGHURT FUNCTION
• Ensure all the equipment and utensils used in yoghurt making should be sterilised
before use.
• Combine all ingredients in a separate pot before placing into the cooking pot.
• Place the lid on the cooking pot and lock into place.
• Select the YOGHURT function using the MENU button, then use the + and - buttons to
adjust the required cooking time.
• Do not attempt to use this function for anything else, for food safety reasons.
• This function should only to be used for making yoghurt
• For more information, refer to the Yoghurt Making Guide on page 23.
KEEP WARM FUNCTION
• This slow cooker has both automatic and manual KEEP WARM functions. The
automatic keep warm will activate after the LOW and HIGH SLOW COOK functions,
once the timer has reached zero. The manual KEEP WARM can be selected, once the
slow cooker has completed a browning, cooking or automatic keep warm function.
When selected, the indicator light will illuminate and the display will commence
counting up.
• Both manual and automatic keep warm functions will operate for up to 4 hours before
the slow cooker will switch to standby mode. Keep warm can be cancelled at any time
by pressing the CANCEL button.
• Do not place the removable cooking pot or glass lid into or under cold water while it is
still hot.
• Do not reheat food using the removable cooking pot.

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• If power is lost to the unit during a browning or cooking function, the slow cooker
will remember the current program and timing for up to 15 minutes. Once power has
returned to the unit, the slow cooker will continue the program. After the 15 minute
period has lapsed, the slow cooker function and timing will need to be reselected.
Cooking Default Time Variable Time Range Keep Warm
Low Slow Cook 8 hours 6-14 hours
(10 minute intervals)
Auto/Manual
High Slow Cook 6 hours 2-8 hours
(10 minute intervals)
Auto/Manual
Steam 20 minutes 10-120 minutes
(1 minute intervals)
Manual
Yoghurt 8 hours 6-12 hours
(10 minute intervals)
Manual

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A GUIDE TO INGREDIENTS AND HINTS AND TIPS
• To ensure even cooking, cut meat and vegetables into similar sized pieces so they
cook evenly. Root vegetables often take longer to cook than meat, so they should be
diced or chopped more nely.
• When using frozen meat, poultry, sh or seafood, defrost thoroughly before adding to
the Searing Slow Cooker. Never cook from frozen. Keep raw meat and poultry separate
from cooked foods.
• Add enough liquid e.g. stock, to cover the ingredients inside the cooking pot before
switching on the Searing Slow Cooker, approximately 2cm up the cooking pot is best.
• Slow cooking does not need stirring, but you may like to give your food an occasional
stir if cooking on HIGH.
• Put food which may need longer to cook in the bottom of the cooking pot. It will be
nearer the heat source and will sit in the liquid, which will help it to cook.
• Fish and seafood tend to dry out quickly, so they are best added to dishes near the end
of cooking time.
• If you nd there is too much liquid at the end of cooking remove the lid and cook on
high for about 30 minutes until the liquid reduces.
• Fresh herbs are best added near the end of cooking; dried herbs can be added along
with the main ingredients.
ADAPTING YOUR HOB TOP RECIPES FOR
SLOW COOKING
• Recipes will require far less liquid than their equivalents cooked on the hob: reduce the
liquid in hob recipes by half, you can always top up during cooking if it seems
too dry.
• Reduce salt in recipes, as slow cooking and reduced liquid means avours are more
enhanced and less salt is required.
• Recipes often say, ‘Bring to boil, and then turndown‘ with the Searing Slow Cooker this
is not necessary. Simply set the cooker on low.
TIMINGS
• If recipe suggests to cook for 15-30 minutes, it will need up to 2 hours on the high
setting in the Searing Slow Cooker.
• If recipe suggests to cook for 30-45 minutes, it will need up to 4 hours on the high
setting in the Searing Slow Cooker.
• If recipe suggests to cook for 2-3 hours, it will need up to 6 hours on the high setting in
the Searing Slow Cooker.

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PREPARING INGREDIENTS GUIDE
PREPARING MEAT
• When purchasing meat for slow cooking, select leaner cuts and trim the meat or
poultry of any visible fat.
• For casserole type recipes, cut the meat into cubes, approximately 2cm. Slow cooking
allows less tender cuts of meat to be used. The bones can be left on meat or poultry, if
desired, and will help to keep meat tender during cooking but will increase the required
cooking time.
PREPARING VEGETABLES
• All vegetables should be cut into even-sized pieces, approximately 2cm to ensure even
cooking. Frozen vegetables must be thawed before adding to other foods cooking in
the slow cooker.
PREPARING DRIED BEANS AND PULSES
• For best results, it is recommended to soak dried beans and pulses overnight. After
soaking, drain, rinse and place into the slow cooker pot with sucient water to allow
the beans or pulses to double in volume. Cook on HIGH SLOW COOK for 2--4 hours.
ROASTING IN THE SLOW COOKER
• Roasting meats in the slow cooker creates tender, avoursome results. The long, slow,
covered cooking process breaks down and softens the connective and muscle tissue
within the meat, making it easier to slice. Cheaper cuts of meat can be used with
this method.
• Meat will not brown during the slow cooking process, for browner results, sear the
meat using the HIGH SEAR function prior to slow cooking.
• The addition of liquid is not required for roasting. Elevate the meat to be cooked on
the trivet. This will assist in keeping the surface of the meat dry and free from any fat
released while cooking.
POT ROASTING IN THE SLOW COOKER
• The addition of liquid is required for pot roasting. Place sucient liquid in the cooking
pot, to cover up to a third of the meat. Meat will not brown during the pot-roasting
process, so for browner results sear the meat rst using the HIGH SEAR function.

17
STEAMING GUIDE
• Steamed foods retain most of their nutritional value. Foods can be steamed by placing
them on the provided trivet over stock or water in the cooking pot. Ensure that the food
sits above the water level in the pot.
• When steaming, it is important to keep the lid closed and locked in place, as opening
it will allow the steam to escape, resulting in prolonged cooking times. Depending on
the food and desired cooking result, the food to be steamed can either be placed on
the steaming trivet before the function is selected or once water is boiling. The below
cooking tables are based on using l.2L of tap water and include pre-heat time.
STEAMING VEGETABLES
• Smaller pieces will steam faster than larger pieces.
• Vegetables should be a uniform size to ensure a more consistent cooking result.
• Fresh or frozen vegetables can be steamed, though frozen will take longer to cook but
should not be thawed before cooking.
• Size and shape of vegetables and personal preference may call for adjustments to the
advised cooking times. For softer vegetables, allow extra cooking time.
• Do not allow the water or stock in the removable cooking pot to reach the steaming
trivet.
Ingredient Quantity Cooking Time (Approx.)
Asparagus 2 bunches, trim, leave as spears 12-16 minutes
Beans 200g, top and tail, leave whole 12-16 minutes
Broccoli 250g, cut into orets 12-15 minutes
Brussel Sprouts 200g, cut a cross in the base 17-20 minutes
Carrots 3 medium (300g), cut into batons 20-25 minutes
Cauliower 300g, cut into orets 22-25 minutes
Corn 2 small cobs, whole corn cobs 20-25 minutes
Snow Peas 250g, topped and tailed 12-15 minutes
Fresh Peas 250g, peeled, 15-18 minutes
Frozen Peas 250g 12-15 minutes
Potatoes 8 (50g each), new, whole 40-50 minutes
Sweet Potatoes 400g, cut into 3cm pieces 25-30 minutes
Pumpkin 400g, cut into 3cm pieces 24-29 minutes
Spinach (English) 1 bunch, cleaned, leaves and stems 8-10 minutes
Spinach (Baby) 350g, topped and tailed 20-25 minutes
Turnips 150g, peeled, cut into 3cm pieces 20-25 minutes
Zucchini 330g, cut into 3cm pieces 17-20 minutes

18
STEAMING FISH
• Season sh with fresh herbs, onions, lemon etc. before cooking.
• Ensure sh llets are in a single layer on the trivet and do not overlap.
• Fish is cooked when it akes easily with a fork and is opaque in colour.
• Steam until opaque and easy to ake.
• A cutlet is cooked when the centre bone is able to be easily removed
Fish Cooking Time (Approx.)
Fillets 20-24 minutes
Whole 25-30 minutes
Cutlets 22-25 minutes

19
RECIPES
PLEASE NOTE: That all spoon measurements are standard metric, so 1 tsp is 5ml and
1 tbsp is 15ml. We recommend using measuring spoons for accurate results.
MEATBALLS IN TOMATO SAUCE – Serves 6
Ingredients Quantity
White bread 2 slices (90g) crusts removed
Milk 125ml
Minced beef 1kg
Brown onion, medium 1, grated nely
Carrot, medium 1, grated nely
Garlic cloves 3, crushed
Egg 1
Tomato purée 2 tbsp
Dried oregano ½ tsp
Fresh basil 2 tbsp, chopped nely
Olive oil 1 tbsp
Brown onion, medium 1, chopped nely
Garlic cloves 2, crushed
Chopped tomatoes 400g can
Cherry tomatoes 400g
Tomato purée 2 tbsp
Beef stock 250ml
Fresh basil leaves 3 tbsp
LOW: 6 hours.
WHAT YOU DO
Combine bread and milk in a large bowl; stand for 10 minutes. Add beef, onion, carrot,
garlic, egg, paste, oregano and chopped basil, season; mix well. Shape level tablespoons
of mixture into balls.
Add some oil to the cooking pot, select the sauté function, when up to heat add the
extra onion and garlic, stirring, until the onion softens. Transfer the meatballs to the slow
cooker. Stir in undrained tomatoes, extra purée and stock. Cook, covered, on low for 6
hours. Season to taste.
Serve with spaghetti, sprinkled with basil leaves.

20
RECIPE 2
ITALIAN BEEF CASSEROLE – Serves 6
Ingredients Quantity
Beef braising steak 1.2kg, chopped coarsely
Plain our 35g
Olive oil 1 tbsp
Brown onion, large 1, chopped coarsely
Garlic cloves 2, crushed
Dried chilli akes ½, tsp
Dry red wine 125ml
Chopped tomatoes 400g, tin
Tomato purée 70g
Beef stock 625ml
Bay leaves 2, dried
Red pepper, large 1, chopped coarsely
Fresh oregano 1 tbsp, nely chopped
Fresh basil 4 tbsp, coarsely chopped
Courgette, large 1, halved lengthways, sliced thickly
Chestnut mushrooms 185g, halved
Fresh basil leaves To serve
LOW: 8 hours.
WHAT YOU DO
Toss the beef in our to coat, shake off excess. Add some oil to the cooking pot, select
the sauté function, when up to heat add the onion, garlic and chilli, stirring, until softened.
Add some more oil to the cooking pot, select the high sear function, when up to heat add
the beef, in batches, until browned. Add wine; bring to the boil. Boil, uncovered, until liquid
reduces by half.
Add back to the cooking pot the onion, garlic and chill. Add the chopped tomatoes,
tomato purée, stock, bay leaves, pepper, oregano and the chopped basil and stir. Place
on the lid and lock with the locking lid handles on the cooking pot.
Cook, on low, 8 hours.
Add courgette and mushrooms to cooker for last 30 minutes of cooking time. Discard
bay leaves.Taste, season and server. Sprinkle casserole with basil leaves to serve. Serve
casserole with creamy polenta, mashed potato or pasta.