Yes, you can put raw ingredients in a slow cooker. In fact, that's one of the main advantages of using a slow cooker — it allows you to combine raw ingredients in the morning, set it to cook for several hours, and come back to a fully cooked meal later in the day.
Slow cookers are designed to cook food at low temperatures over an extended period, typically ranging from 4 to 10 hours or more. This gentle and slow cooking process helps to tenderize meats, develop flavors, and allows the ingredients to meld together.
When using a slow cooker, it's common to layer the raw ingredients in the pot, starting with the meat or main protein, followed by vegetables, seasonings, and any liquid or sauce. As the slow cooker heats up, the ingredients gradually cook and release their flavors, resulting in a delicious, slow-cooked meal.
It's important to ensure that the slow cooker reaches and maintains a safe cooking temperature to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria. This typically occurs within the first two hours of cooking. Therefore, it's recommended not to leave perishable ingredients at room temperature for too long before starting the slow cooker.
Additionally, when using a slow cooker, it's generally better to avoid lifting the lid frequently during cooking, as this can cause a significant heat loss and increase the cooking time. So it's best to plan your ingredients and cooking time accordingly and minimize unnecessary lifting of the lid.
Overall, slow cookers can be a convenient and efficient way to cook a variety of dishes using raw ingredients. Just make sure to follow recipe guidelines and safety recommendations to ensure the best results and food safety.