10 Tips for Cooking with Cast Iron
Have you recently upgraded to enamelled cast iron cookware and are wondering where to start? Our cast iron range has earned a reputation as a kitchen workhorse and is capable of preparing many of your favourite recipes, offering superior heat retention and exposing ingredients to a consistent heat source. This guide will provide you with all the necessary tips and tricks to help you get started with confidence.
Our heritage cast iron cookware has been crafted with premium materials in the same French foundry since 1925 and is built to last daily usage. When mastered, cooking with cast iron will help you tackle your favourite recipes in no time.
Tips for cooking meat
Tip 1: Keep the lid on when roasting
Looking to achieve succulent roasts, whether poultry or meat? Keep the lid on the Cast Iron Casserole while roasting. This technique helps lock in the delicious flavours and moisture, all while keeping your oven clean and hassle-free.
Tip 2: Sear meat to perfection
When cooking steak and other meats on a cast iron pan, skillet, or grill, it’s recommended to take them out of the fridge 20 minutes prior to cooking. Before cooking, lightly salt and oil the meat to enhance the flavour. Only add pepper after cooking, as it can tend to burn. When it's time to clean up, allow the product to cool down completely before washing.
Tips for baking
Tip 3: Skip the blind bake
Achieve the delightful result of tarts and quiches without the hassle of blind-baking
by simply lining your Cast Iron Casserole with pastry.
Tip 4: Speed up proving time
When baking bread, start by heating the Cast Iron Casserole in the oven at 40°C for 10 minutes. Then, remove it and oil the casserole. Place the dough inside with the lid on until doubled in size. This trick helps speed up the proving time and creates the perfect environment for your dough to rise beautifully.
Tip 5: For an even rise on bakes
Ensure an even rise and crust for your baked goods like focaccia, bread rolls, and cinnamon swirls by lightly oiling them before baking.
Tip 6: Make a tasty Tarte Tatin
Make the world-famous Tarte Tatin recipe in your cast iron casserole (whether sand or satin black enamelled interior) by caramelising the apples on the hob, generously topping them with pastry, and transferring them into a preheated oven.
Tip 7: Master the Yorkshire Pudding and Dutch Baby Pancake
Easily whip up Dutch baby pancakes or Yorkshire Pudding with this simple method: Begin by heating a casserole or skillet with a satin black enamel interior over medium heat. Once it's hot, add some oil and pour in the batter. Then, move the skillet to a preheated oven set at 250°C. Enjoy the delectable outcome!
Tip 8: Achieve the perfect pizza
You’ll want to host more pizza parties with this technique: Begin by placing pizza dough in a dry skillet and cook one side until it turns a light golden brown. Then, carefully flip it over and add your favourite toppings. Finally, transfer the pan to a very hot oven (220°C) and allow it to cook for approximately 5 minutes, resulting in a mouthwatering pizza.
More general cooking tips
Tip 9: Tempering chocolate
Place chocolate in a cast iron pan over a very low heat to gently melt chocolate and achieve the optimal temper. Be sure to monitor the heat closely and reduce it once the desired temperature is reached to prevent overheating.
Top 10: Perfectly fluffy grains
Cooking perfect steamed rice with spices and vegetables in a cast iron casserole is easy. Just use a 1:2 ratio of rice to water, cover the casserole with its lid, and cook over medium heat until steam forms. Remove from heat, let it sit undisturbed for 15-20 minutes (depending on rice variety used), and enjoy perfectly cooked, non-sticky rice. Our specialist Cocotte Every is also ideally suited for cooking of rice and grains.
Recipes you need to try
With the above tips and knowledge at your disposal, explore a carefully chosen assortment of recipes to prepare using your cast iron cookware.
Explore the range
Find the perfect piece of cookware to add to your collection from our vibrant and versatile offering.
More to explore
Cast iron is among the most durable cookware materials out there, but it still needs proper care. Discover our top care and use tips, along with ways to use your products and suitable heat sources.
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