Unfortunately, New Zealand has entered another lockdown. Although untimely, keep in mind how well we did it before, and how well we’ll do it again. Use this time to unwind, discover new hobbies, spend time with your loved ones but most of all, work on your cooking skills.

We’ve gathered 12 delicious slow-cooked recipes that will surely keep you preoccupied this lockdown. We’ve got BBQ and smoker recipes, desserts of course, and we might’ve snuck in a cheeky cocktail recipe in here too (to drink away the stress obviously).

 

Slow-Cooked Smoker

1. Big Game Day BBQ Ribs
Get ready for the insane flavour that is these BBQ Ribs. The Traeger big game rub mixed with the Apricot BBQ sauce is unlike anything you've ever tasted before. Trust us. The cook time for this hearty meal is 3 hours. Works perfectly with the Game Day Micheladas cocktail.

2. Smoked Lamb Shoulder
Slow roasting a lamb shoulder makes for a deliciously succulent and tender meat that easily falls apart. Easy enough to prep, then let it roast for 6.30 hours. What comes out will be a real good combination of the smoke and the juices from the tasty lamb. Pair it with a good leafy salad, or just have it as is, you won't be disappointment either way.

 

Slow-Cooked BBQ

1. BBQ Burnt Ends
Slow-cooked saucy brisket. Warning: Although these need 9 hours in the grill, they will be consumed in little to no time. Make sure you don't miss out! Pair this with your favourite beer and you will be in a serious food coma.

2. Beef Brisket with Potatoes
This meal takes little to no time to prepare. Quickly toss all the vegetables and beef together and forget about it in the slow-cooker for about 12 hours, whilst you go on to prepare more delicious things, like dessert. What else goes well with beef and potatoes? We recommend some cheesy roasted broccoli, just to balance out the plate a bit.

3. Pork Loin Barbecue
This flavourful pork roast will have you craving more in no time. Slow-cooked for 7 hours to absolute perfection, this is yet another recipe will little prep time. This meal is hearty enough on its own, so we recommend pairing this with a home made cocktail, how's a Smoked Arnold Palmer sound?

 

Side Dishes

1. Grilled Peach and Bacon Salad with Maple Vinaigrette
Peaches in a salad? Yes please! The combination of sweet fruit flavour and salty feta cheese works beautifully in this salad. We assure you, it's unlike anything you've ever had before. Pair this colourful salad with any of the other recipes previously mentioned, or just have this as a main (It'll be good either way!).

2. Smoked Korean-Style Wings
Who doesn't love chicken wings? Well these perfectly delectable Korean style chicken wings have everything you could want and more! They've got the smoke, spice, sweet and the crunch. The home-made sauce is unlike anything you've ever had before.

3. Baked Pretzel Bites & Beer Cheese Dip
Forget bread rolls! Baked pretzel bites are the all new thing. The salt on the perfectly portioned dough, make for the perfect side dish to any meal. Serve these delicious baked bites with your favourite meal, or add them to your Sunday night charcuterie board (Your guests will not be disappointed).

Dessert

1. Mulled Wine & Apple Pizza Dough Rolls
Like cinnamon scrolls, only better. These tasty treats are made in the popular Ooni cast iron skillet, and go great after a delicious feast. Remember, balance is key - at least TRY to share this with your family!

2. Smoked Hibiscus Sparkler
Hibiscus flowers mixed with a smoked simple syrup to create the most wonderful and relaxing drink for you. Paired with your favourite guilty pleasure dessert, you'll be on cloud-9.

 

3. Fiery Pineapple Mezcal Cocktail
Unwind in lockdown with a fiery pineapple cocktail. Mixed with spicy habanero bitters and smoky pineapple syrup, this is a drink you do not want to miss out on. Now is the time to experiment and try different things.

 

We’d love to see which recipe you've decide to make! Take a pic and post it to our private Facebook page ‘Grill Masters NZ’.

The best BBQ’s in New Zealand can be found here, and the best smokers can be found here. If you’re not into slow-cooked recipes, we’ve got some more delicious recipes in our previous blog post too.