The lost art of slow cooking

Take it slow

Savouring that first cup of coffee in the morning, going for a lazy stroll, getting to know a new lover, there are times when it just pays off to take things slow…

There’s a common notion today that spending time in the kitchen working on a slow cooked meal from scratch is unfashionable, or maybe a luxury that a lot of us can’t get to with our busy lives, but there’s something to be said for the cooking habits of years past, and the resulting delicious dishes. The whole experience is practically sensual.

I’ve always believed there is no shortage of benefits when it comes to slow cooking from scratch. For one thing, if you’re preparing all your ingredients yourself, you’re cutting out all the nasty preservatives and flavourings that can come with tins or pre-prepared food. You’re also producing less single-use waste which is a plus for your sustainability efforts, plus you’re likely spending way less money buying raw ingredients as opposed to pre-made goodies. That’s a big win!

Slow cooking also definitely impacts the flavour profile of the dish. Nothing beats that slow cooked roast with the meat that practically melts off the bone, and flavourful sauces boasting all the unique tastes of their ingredients and spices. Delicious! But it’s not all about taste, there’s a nostalgic element to slow cooking a meal that transports me back to my family kitchen and the first desire I had to learn how to make dishes like that. There are few things more comforting than the sound of a dish bubbling away on the stove happily, giving off some mouthwatering aromas and promising what is to come…

While I understand the need for convenience, there will always be space for slow cooking in my kitchens. It’s so important to connect with ourselves in the midst of everything else we have going on, and eating good, lovingly prepared food is one of my favourite forms of self-care.

So, roll up your sleeves, give it a go and indulge your senses in the sensual tease that is preparing a slow cooked dish, you won’t regret it.