Savor Local Flavors: 3 Simple Crockpot Dishes Using Five Washington Ingredients

Fall Crockpot Comfort: Local Washington Recipes to Warm Your Table

It’s time for end-of-summer parties and tailgating sports potlucks.If you’re in a pickle about what foods to bring, here are three easy crockpot recipes you can make using ingredients grown and raised locally in Washington state.

What a Load of Crock(pot)!

Over the summer, we tried some fun summer recipes using local cherries from the Yakima Valley, and Bucatini, a viral pasta recipe trending in Seattle and tacoma. Now it’s time to dig out that crockpot and put it to good use this fall.

1. Crockpot Seafood Broil

* Washington-grown garlic
* Dungeness Crab or your desired shellfish sourced from Washington
* Fresh Ears of Corn from a Washington farm
* Herbs like thyme or oregano from a local market or your backyard garden (or a friend’s)
* Garlic, Onions or Leeks from a Washington grower or farmer’s market
* Sausage from a local butcher

Recipe Link

Read More: Bucantini is the Breakout Recipe We Didn’t Know We needed in WA

2. Steak Strips with Mushrooms and Onions (Served over Mashed Potatoes)

* Steak strips from your local butcher or a Yakima Valley or Skagit Valley ranch
* Washington-grown Potatoes
* Mushrooms grown and sold at your local farmer’s market (or ones that you foraged yourself)
* Onions from a farmer’s market (or try the produce stands on the side of the road in Naches)
* Your favorite Washington wine or beer to deglaze the pan

Recipe Link

3. Taco Soup

* Ground beef from a local butcher shop
* Fresh onions from a local farmer
* Cilantro from a local farm or your own backyard
* Shucked Corn on the Cob purchased at local farm stands
* Locally Grown Garlic cloves

Recipe Link

Now that you’re armed with these recipes, your food is sure to be a hit at the next party!

Is salmon safe to cook in a crockpot, and what temperature should it reach?

Washington State boasts an amazing bounty of fresh, seasonal ingredients.From the fertile farmlands to the crisp coastal waters, the state provides a diverse palette for culinary exploration. This article focuses on harnessing that local goodness with the convenience of your crockpot. We’ll showcase three easy recipes utilizing five key Washington ingredients: apples, salmon, potatoes, spinach, and cranberries. These Washington State recipes are perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekend meals.

The Power of the Crockpot & Local Produce

Before diving into the recipes,let’s appreciate why this combination works so well. Crockpot cooking, also known as slow cooking, is ideal for maximizing flavor and tenderness, especially with ingredients like salmon and potatoes. It allows flavors to meld beautifully over time, creating deeply satisfying dishes. Utilizing locally sourced ingredients not only supports Washington farmers and businesses but also ensures peak freshness and flavor. Choosing seasonal Washington produce means you’re getting the best taste and nutritional value.

Recipe 1: Apple Cranberry Pulled Salmon

This recipe offers a delightful sweet and savory combination, perfect for salmon lovers. It’s a unique twist on traditional pulled pork, showcasing the versatility of salmon.

Ingredients:

* 1.5 lbs Washington Salmon fillet (skin removed)

* 1 cup Washington Apples, peeled, cored, and diced (Honeycrisp or Gala work well)

* 1/2 cup Washington Cranberries (fresh or frozen)

* 1/4 cup Apple Cider Vinegar

* 2 tbsp brown Sugar

* 1 tbsp Dijon Mustard

* 1 tsp Garlic Powder

* Salt and Pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Place salmon in the crockpot.
2. In a separate bowl, combine apples, cranberries, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour the mixture over the salmon.
4. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until salmon flakes easily with a fork.
5. Shred the salmon with two forks and serve on buns,over rice,or with a side of roasted vegetables.

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Recipe 2: Hearty Washington Potato & spinach Stew

A comforting and nutritious stew, this recipe is a fantastic way to use up those Washington potatoes and spinach. It’s a hearty meal that’s perfect for colder months.

Ingredients:

* 2 lbs Washington Potatoes, peeled and diced (Russet or yukon Gold)

* 10 oz Washington Spinach, fresh or frozen

* 1 Onion, chopped

* 2 cloves Garlic, minced

* 4 cups Vegetable Broth

* 1 tsp Dried Thyme

* 1/2 tsp Smoked Paprika

* Salt and Pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Place potatoes, onion, and garlic in the crockpot.
2. Pour in vegetable broth, thyme, and smoked paprika. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until potatoes are tender.
4. Stir in spinach during the last 30 minutes of cooking, until wilted.
5. Serve hot with crusty bread.

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Recipe 3: Slow Cooker Apple-Glazed Salmon with Roasted potatoes

This recipe combines the sweetness of Washington apples with the richness of salmon, creating a flavorful and satisfying meal. Roasting the potatoes alongside adds a delightful textural contrast.

Ingredients:

* 1.5 lbs Washington Salmon fillet (skin on or off)

* 1 Washington Apple,thinly sliced (Fuji or Pink Lady)

* 2 tbsp Maple syrup

* 1 tbsp Soy Sauce

* 1 tbsp Lemon Juice

* 1 lb Washington Potatoes,quartered

* 1 tbsp Olive Oil

* Salt and Pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Place potatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet,drizzle with olive oil,and season with salt and pepper. Roast at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and tender.
2. Place salmon in the crockpot.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together maple syrup, soy sauce, and lemon juice.
4. Pour the glaze over the salmon and top with apple slices.
5. cook on low for 3-4 hours or on high for 1.5-2 hours,until salmon is cooked thru.
6. Serve salmon with roasted potatoes.

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