Your guide to slow cooking

• They use less energy than traditional ovens, making them an eco-friendly alternative. • Many slow cooker recipes can be prepared in advance and then left to cook, so they can be ready when you get h

Easy recipes to make ahead and freeze for hearty dinners in a flash

This take on pasta e ceci is like a hug in a bowl. It should be brothy, so add more water as it cooks if you need to. As it uses such humble ingredients, seasoning is key. A drizzle of good olive oil

All the saucy, spicy joys of classic curry house favourites – in your slow cooker

Fry 1 sliced garlic clove for a few seconds in 1 tbsp olive oil. Add 500g courgettes, quartered and chopped, and cook until starting to soften. Stir in 200g frozen peas, a 400g can drained cannellini

Roasting brings out the natural sweetness in the garlic for a rich and velvety finish. SERVES 6 PREP 15 MINS COOK 35 MINS ✱ 3 large bulbs fresh garlic, broken up, skins left on✱ 1 medium onion, finely