The Right Rice

• Different types of rice have different flavors. For example, white rice is rather bland but soaks up the flavors of the ingredients it's cooked with. Brown rice has a nutty flavor, and jasmine has a floral fragrance. Wild rice and wild rice mixes vary in flavor based on the type of rice included in the mix. Rinse the rice several times in fresh water and drain before adding it to the slow cooker. Plan to cook the rice from 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 hours in your slow cooker.

The Right Roast

• Choose a roast that needs long, slow, moist cooking rather than a cut that is better cooked at shorter times and higher heats. For example, a pork loin roast gets stringy when braised, but a pork shoulder becomes meltingly tender. Stick with pork roasts from the legs, shoulders and butt. Beef roasts such as round, rump and chuck benefit from slow cooking, while prime rib and tenderloin do not. Cut the roast to fit in the slow cooker if necessary.

Preparation Pointers

• Getting the rice and roast ready for the slow cooker takes a few minutes, but the results are worth it in both taste and presentation. Brown the roast on all sides in a few tablespoons of oil in a skillet, and lower the heat and toss in aromatics such as onions, shallots, garlic and leeks. Cook over medium heat until the aromatics are translucent. Add the roast, aromatics and any vegetables to the slow cooker. Pour in about two to three times as much water or cooking liquid as rice; the amount of liquid varies depending on the type of rice. Turn the cooker on low to slow cook for 8 to 9 hours and high if you would like the dish done in 4 to 6 hours. Exactly how long depends on your cooker. About two hours before you plan to serve dinner, add the rice. Give it a stir several times while cooking.

Subtle Seasonings

• Rice and roast alone are a dull dinner, so toss in some seasonings. For pork, try dill and caraway seeds or a Tex-Mex seasoning of cumin, coriander seeds and crushed red peppers or cayenne. For an Italian flavor, use fennel seeds, basil and oregano. All-American seasonings include sage, bay leaf and rosemary. For an Asian-inspired roast and rice dish, use a bit of cinnamon, garlic and ginger. Cooking liquids include beef bullion, vegetable broth and tomato juice.