- Raw Dried Beans Without Proper Preparation
Dried beans require special care.
Some raw or inadequately cooked beans, particularly red kidney beans, contain naturally occurring lectins that can cause illness when the beans aren’t properly prepared and cooked.
Don’t assume that simply putting dry beans into a slow cooker for several hours automatically makes them safe. Follow a tested recipe and the preparation instructions appropriate for the specific bean.
Canned beans are often a convenient alternative for slow-cooker recipes because they have already been cooked. If using dried beans, make sure you understand the preparation and cooking requirements before adding them.
- Large Amounts of Alcohol
Wine, beer, and other alcoholic ingredients can be used in- slow-cooked dishes, but pouring in a large amount and expecting the slow cooker to behave like an uncovered saucepan can lead to disappointing results.
Slow cookers are covered, so there is relatively little evaporation compared with uncovered cooking. A dish can therefore retain more of the alcohol and its strong flavor than you might expect.
