Frugal Foodie Mama: Slow Cooked Chinese Five Spiced Pot Roast

Thursday, October 24, 2013

Slow Cooked Chinese Five Spiced Pot Roast

This post is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group™ and WonderBag, but all my opinions are my own. #pmedia #WonderBag http://cmp.ly/3/8vNxcO

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I think you all are pretty aware by now of my love for slow cooking.  It isn't a secret that I break out my slow cooker at least twice a week all year round.  When I was presented with the opportunity to try the WonderBag, I about jumped for joy! :) A slow cooker that is portable and requires no electricity??  Sign me up!

So I know you all are just dying to know... how does the WonderBag work exactly?  
Basically you bring whatever it is you are wanting to slow cook for the day to a boil in your favorite lidded pot.  Then you transfer the covered pot to inside the WonderBag, place the cushioned lid on top of the pot, cinch up the bag tight, and let it do it's thing all day.  The revolutionary insulation in the WonderBag retains the heat from the boiled pot and continues the cooking process for up to 12 hours!

But the WonderBag is SO much more than just a super cool, eco-friendly, budget friendly slow cooker.  
The WonderBag represents so much more...
It was originally created as a way to help struggling families in Africa by reducing their reliance on wood fire cooking, therefore reducing their carbon footprint, saving the family much needed money and water, and helping to further prevent deforestation.
Another wonderful benefit of the WonderBag to these families?  It is helping to free up the women of these families who usually tend to meals being cooked over an open flame for hours each day.  They can now spend more time with their children or to help more with providing for their families.

The first meal I prepared in my WonderBag was this delicious Slow Cooked Chinese Five Spiced Pot Roast.  It will be just one of many more... ;)

Slow Cooked Chinese Five Spiced Pot Roast

by Frugal Foodie Mama
Prep Time: 45 minutes
Cook Time: 8-10 hours
Ingredients (6 servings)
  • 2-2 1/2 lb beef roast
  • 1 tbsp Chinese Five Spice
  • 1 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 cup flour
  • 2 tbsp canola oil
  • 1 medium onion, chopped roughly
  • 1 1/2 cups beef broth
  • 1/2 cup soy sauce
  • 1/2 head of cabbage, roughly chopped
  • 8 oz of mushrooms, cleaned & halved
  • 8 oz of baby carrots
  • 5 cloves of garlic- peeled, smashed, & roughly chopped
  • 1 tsp freshly grated ginger
Instructions
In a small bowl, whisk together the Chinese Five Spice, salt, pepper, and flour. Pat the entire outside of the roast with the flour mixture.

Heat the canola oil in a dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the roast and brown on all sides, about 2-3 minutes each side.
Once browned, add the onions and saute for another 2-3 minutes.

Pour in the beef broth and the soy sauce and then add in the remaining ingredients- the cabbage through the ginger and give it a stir.

Bring everything to a boil and continue boiling for another 10 minutes. Place the lid on the dutch oven, turn down the heat, and simmer another 15 minutes.

Remove the lidded pot directly from the stove and place in the Wonderbag. Place the insulated lid on top, and cinch up the WonderBag tight. Slow cook for at least 8 hours, but up to 12 hours if needed.

*Alternatively, you can skip the boiling part (still brown the the roast and saute the onions though) and place all the veggies, the liquids, and then the browned roast on top in your slow cooker and slow cook on low for 6-8 hours.
I used a 2 1/2 lb roast and it was fully cooked at around 8 hours using the Wonderbag.
Enjoy!
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The WonderBag would be perfect for tailgates, camping, and potlucks or family reunions.  No need to worry about finding an outlet to continue cooking your meal or to keep it warm!  It is light weight and easy to carry.  I plan on using mine while preparing Thanksgiving dinner this year.  One side dish will be made in it freeing up some precious oven space. ;) 

Ready to order your own WonderBag?  
A bonus to making a purchase? For every WonderBag purchased in the United States, one will be given to a family in need in Africa!  
Seriously.  How amazing is that??
WonderBag is available exclusively on Amazon!
CLICK HERE to visit Amazon and order your WonderBag today! (Psssttt... I also think these would make fabulous holiday gifts for the foodie or outdoors person in your life.  Just saying... ;) )

To learn more about WonderBag and their mission, give them a follow on- Facebook ~ Twitter ~ or Instagram

How will YOU use your WonderBag? :)