Step-by-Step Guide
Want to start using your slow cooker or pressure cooker, but aren't sure how? Follow these 6 simple steps.
1. Get your cooker ready to go.
If you are new to slow cooking or pressure cooking, Zen of Slow Cooking has simple guides to choosing a cooker and to get to know your cooker. If you have one already, but haven’t been using it - that’s ok. Pull it out, make some space, wipe it clean and plug it in...then the fun can begin!
2. Choose from dozens of delicious recipes.
Here are a few of our favorite recipes with less than 10 minutes prep time:
- Carolina Pulled Pork made with our Smoky BBQ blend
- Curried Lentil Tortillas made with our Indian Dal blend
- Chicken Tortilla Soup made with our Southwest Fiesta blend
- Balsamic Sausages & Peppers made with our Tuscan blend
Explore our entire collection of globally inspired recipes. Filter them quickly by Zen blend, lifestyle choice (such as gluten-free or vegetarian), prep time and your favorite protein. We’ve made it easy to print, download or bookmark, too.
3. Get your pantry essentials.
Some essential pantry items are perfect for slow cooking and pressure cooking. Check our tips for success to choose the best ones for your kitchen.
Spices and herbs are some of the most important ingredients in slow cooking and pressure cooking. They give your dish depth of flavor by infusing into the rest of your ingredients during cooking. Without the right balance, your finished dish can taste bland.
The good news: we have a shortcut! You can season your pot perfectly and transform your cooking with a convenient Zen of Slow Cooking spice blend. Our sampler pack is a great place to start, or find out where to buy our blends near you.
“I love using online shopping because it saves time searching the aisles. Once those ingredients are in my ‘favorites’, it’s so easy to buy again. It’s a great way to avoid impulse purchases, too!” - Jane
4. Easy prep.
Our recipes are designed for busy lives, so prep time is always 20 minutes or less.
“I make my prep-time 'media-free' and use that time as a way to create 10-20 minutes in my day for reflection. It's part of the ‘Zen’ in the Zen of Slow cooking." - Meg
5. Set to cook and enjoy the gift of time!
The best part about slow cooking or pressure cooking is that it’s a set-it-and-forget-it cooking process. Whether you leave for the day knowing you’re coming home to a delicious slow cooked meal, or you use the pressure cook time to gather the kids or pour a glass of wine, it’s your chance to live and breathe before you serve your nourishing meal.
“I love how the kitchen fills up with aromas and my family arrives home knowing there’s a delicious dinner waiting for us.” - Jane
6. Gather 'round your dinner table.
It’s time to enjoy your meal with the people you care about! Sit down with your family, partner or friends and have a conversation over a delicious, shared meal.
“My slow cooker has helped me be a guest at my own table, because I don’t have to be up and down to the kitchen before the meal. I like that it means I can be present with my family at dinner time.” - Meg
We'd love to hear how you get on! If this guide has helped you, please get in touch.