Monday, December 3, 2012

Cook With A Cast Iron Kettle

Cook over an open flame with your cast-iron kettle.


Cast-iron cooking kettles hold heat so your foods cook evenly, offering versatile cooking options that range from entrees to desserts. Using cast iron for cooking can add a significant source of iron to your diet. You can buy kettles in a variety of sizes ranging from large cauldrons to small Dutch ovens. If you plan to use your pot primarily for breads or desserts, choose a small one for best results. Campfire cooking requires a kettle with legs so you can position it over the fire's ashes.


Instructions


Cast-Iron Cooking








1. Wash your new kettle in warm water and dry it completely. Coat the inside of the pot and its lid with olive oil.


2. Place the kettle in a hot oven, between 350 to 400 degrees. After one hour, turn off the oven but leave the pot inside until it cools. This seasoning process can create a smoky kitchen, so use your outside grill if you prefer. Follow the same procedure but heat the grill to 400 or 500 degrees. Your pot will acquire a hard finish that makes it stick-resistant.


3. Preheat your pot at a medium to high heat to brown meat entrees. After browning, season to taste and finish the dish by slow cooking it in a low-heat oven.


4. Cook outdoor meals by heating your pot from the top and the bottom. Assemble a casserole dish in the pot. Place the pot over hot coals and position some coals on the pot's lid to simulate an oven's heat.


5. Scrape cooked food particles from the pot and clean the pot in boiling water. You can wash the pot in soapy water, but the soap can break down the seasoned surface requiring more frequent seasoning.

Tags: