This pork roast dish practically cooks itself.

You say you want slow food? How about convenient comfort food that also happens to be REAL food? It’s possible, if you reacquaint yourself with that ’70s kitchen staple, the slow cooker. With a little planning and our healthy slow cooker recipes, you can come home after a busy day to an aromatic, slowly simmered supper. Slow cookers work by using a moist heat, or braising, method, cooking meat in liquid and seasonings. One benefit of braising is that it renders inexpensive cuts of meat juicy and fork-tender. Chicken and beans are great cooked in the slow cooker as well. Best of all, using a slow cooker lets you prepare meals using nutrient-packed whole foods, instead of overly processed fare that's full of added salt and calories.

Tips for slow-cooking:

Measure liquids accurately, as the slow cooker retains all moisture that usually evaporates when cooking in the oven. You will normally end up with more liquid at the end of cooking times, not less.

Whole herbs and spices intensify in the slow cooker, while ground spices may mellow during the cooking process. Try varying the amount of spices you use to find the level that hits your sweet spot.

To brown or not to brown? Browning meat before slow-cooking it will result in a richer-tasting dish, and will reduce the fat content of some meats. But it’s not necessary, if you’re running short on time.

As an alternative to soaking, dry beans can be cooked overnight on low. Cover them with water and add 1 teaspoon of baking soda. Drain, combining with other ingredients.

To make cleanup as effortless as possible, spray the slow cooker with cooking spray (or lightly rub with vegetable oil) before cooking.