Crock-Pot VersaWare Pro owner manual Cous Cous, Pork Shanks

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Braised Pork Shanks with Israeli Cous Cous and Root Vegetable Stew

This recipe was created by renowned Chef Tom Valenti of Ouest Restaurant in New York City.

2 cups water Pinch salt

11/3 cup Israeli couscous (or regular couscous)

4 24-ounce pork shanks, bone in, skin removed Coarse salt

Freshly ground black pepper 1 cup olive oil

4 large carrots, peeled and cut on the bias into 1-inch segments (set 2 carrots aside for later in this recipe)

1 Spanish onion, peeled and quartered

4 stalks celery, cut on the bias into 1-inch segments (set 2 stalks aside for later in this recipe)

4 cloves garlic, peeled and smashed

2 cups dry white wine

1/4 cup distilled white vinegar

1/4 cup tomato paste

1-11/2quarts low sodium chicken broth (amount will vary depending on the size of the shanks)

2 tablespoons mustard oil (available from Middle Eastern shops - this dish can be made without this item)

1 tablespoon whole black peppercorns

Cous Cous:

1.Place the VersaWare® Pro stoneware on stovetop set to medium-low heat. Add 2 cups of water and a pinch of salt and bring to a boil.

2.Add 11/3 cups of Israeli couscous and cook, stirring until tender about 6-8 minutes. Drain and use immediately or rinse under cold water and reserve for later use.

Recipe is continued on next page.

Note: when using an electric stovetop, the heat diffuser

40MUST ALWAYS be used with the VersaWare® Pro stoneware.

Pork Shanks:

1.Season the shanks well with salt and pepper.

2.Place the VersaWare® Pro stoneware on stovetop set to medium-low heat, add the oil and heat until hot but not smoking. Add the shanks and brown on all sides. Remove and set aside.

3.Pour off all but about 2 tablespoons of the oil. Add half of the carrots, half of the celery, the onion and garlic and cook on stovetop over a medium-low heat until the vegetables are soft but not brown, about 5 minutes.

4.Add the tomato paste, wine, vinegar, mustard oil, chicken broth and peppercorns and bring to a boil, stirring and scraping up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan. Return the shanks to the stoneware and place stoneware on heating base. Cover; cook on High for 2 hours, turning the shanks every 20 minutes or so.

5.Remove the shanks, strain out all of the solids from the braising liquid, and add in the uncooked carrot and celery. Place the shanks back in stoneware and onto slow cooker heating base and cover.

6.Cook on High for 1 hour. Check the shanks for doneness: remove one and place it on a plate. The meat should be very soft but still attached to the bone.

7.To serve; add the precooked couscous to the stoneware just to reheat, about 3-4 minutes. Using a slotted spoon remove some of the couscous, carrot and celery and place in the bottom of a shallow bowl. Place a pork shank on top of that and then spoon 2-3 ounces of the braising liquid into the bowl.

Serves 4

Note: when using an electric stovetop, the heat diffuser

41

MUST ALWAYS be used with the VersaWare® Pro stoneware.

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Contents VersaWare Pro Table of Contents Important Safeguards Temperature By turning Knob Power indicator light Select cooking time fromSautéing LidHOW to Clean Your Slow Cooker Recipes Roasted Summer Squash with Pine NutsRosemary Pork with Red Wine Risotto Golden DuckVanilla-Citrus Broth Root Vegetable Stew VegetablesOptional Garnishes Signature ChiliBeef Stew Must Always be used with the VersaWare Pro stonewareBarbecue Ribs Pot RoastBBQ Sauce Pulled Pork Mom’s BrisketMeatballs Meatballs and Spaghetti SauceBoston Baked Beans Spaghetti SauceMulled Cider Corned Beef and CabbageBrown Bread Seasonings Options Spiked and Spiced AlmondsCover and cook on Low for 4-5 hours Lemon Dilled Parsnips and Turnips Gratin Potatoes with Asiago CheeseSausage Stuffed Baked Yams New England Chuck RoastSwiss Steak Hearty Meatball StewStuffed Veal Flank Steak Boneless Chicken CacciatoreChicken Parmesan with Eggplant Sesame ChickenCurry Chicken with Mango and Red Pepper Citrus Glazed Cornish HensStuffed Turkey Breast Golden DuckCous Cous Pork ShanksBrine Pork Roast with Fruit MedleyRosemary Pork with Red Wine Risotto RisottoStuffed Pork Chops Gingered Sherry Pork RoastShrimp Etouffée Braised Fruited LambAdd dried fruits Paella Cape Cod StewBeef Tenderloin with Merlot Jus Holiday Ham with Cloves and VodkaCauliflower Soup Old Fashioned Split Pea SoupProvence Vinaigrette Plantation Peanut Soup Caramelized French Onion SoupCheesy Tavern Soup Red Bliss Potato and Leek Clam ChowderMalted Mint Tropical TeaSpiced Coffee Cinnamon sticks Cup cocoa powder Teaspoons whole clovesVanilla Bean Custard Optional coconut or nutmeg for toppingBanana Nut Bread

VersaWare Pro specifications

The Crock-Pot VersaWare Pro is a versatile cooking appliance designed for modern kitchens, revolutionizing the way users prepare meals with its innovative features and user-friendly technology. This multifunctional slow cooker not only simplifies the cooking process but also enhances the flavors of your favorite recipes, making it an essential tool for both novice and experienced cooks alike.

One of the standout features of the VersaWare Pro is its programmable control panel. Users can easily set cooking times and temperatures for various recipes with just a few taps. The digital display is intuitive, allowing for easy navigation through different cooking modes, including slow cooking, sautéing, steaming, and even baking. This flexibility enables home cooks to experiment with a wide range of dishes, from hearty stews to tender meats and vibrant vegetables.

The slow cooking technology employed in the VersaWare Pro is exceptional. It uses a low and steady heat to tenderize ingredients, allowing flavors to meld beautifully over extended cooking periods. Whether you choose to slow cook for as little as four hours or up to ten, this appliance will ensure your meal is cooked evenly and safely. The keep-warm feature is another great addition, allowing meals to be held at the perfect serving temperature without overcooking.

Another impressive characteristic of the Crock-Pot VersaWare Pro is its durable construction. Made with high-quality materials, the ceramic inner pot is designed to distribute heat evenly, preventing hot spots that can lead to uneven cooking. Additionally, the removable pot is dishwasher-safe, making cleanup a hassle-free experience.

The device also boasts a safety lock lid system, ensuring that the lid remains securely in place during the cooking process. This feature is especially beneficial for pressure cooking functions, as it provides users with peace of mind while helping to preserve the flavors and nutrients of the ingredients.

Furthermore, the Crock-Pot VersaWare Pro's sleek design allows it to blend seamlessly into any kitchen decor. Its compact size makes it easy to store, while its modern aesthetic is undoubtedly a visual appeal.

In summary, the Crock-Pot VersaWare Pro stands out in the realm of slow cookers and multi-cookers with its programmable features, robust cooking technology, and stylish design. It truly embodies convenience, versatility, and efficiency, making it a valuable addition to any culinary enthusiast's kitchen arsenal.