Choosing a cast iron brazier - a guide

A cast iron brazier is a popular cookware designed for baking dishes. Most commonly used for roasting meats and vegetables in the oven, but also used for casseroles and roasts. It also allows you to boil, stew and stew. What are the advantages of a cast iron brazier and why should you choose one?

Goose neck in a culinary tradition - ideal for meat

The cast iron brazier has a long history in the tradition of Polish cuisine. It was even called "goose" because the housewives roasted goose in it. The meat baked in this dish was distinguished by its exceptional taste. It retained its crispy texture, juiciness and unique flavor. There are now many more sizes and shapes of this cookware on the market to choose from. Braziers and their covers are now also made from a variety of materials. With an increase in choice, cast iron cookware is experiencing a renaissance in popularity.

What can be baked or fried in the oven?

However, thanks to the brazier, you can cook not only meat, but also a large number of other dishes, including those requiring a long cooking time - it has a thick bottom. This cookware is versatile and versatile – you can use it as a pot for one-pot dishes (such as cabbage rolls, aleos or bigos), bake a cake or even bread in it, saving time and energy. The roaster can also be used as a grill pan. It also allows for fat-free cooking, which is a huge benefit for anyone looking to cut down on fat. Also, if you use a roaster with a proper lid, the food will retain more vitamins and nutrients.

Cast Iron Roaster - One Dish to Prepare and Serve

Firstly, the cast-iron brazier keeps the temperature for a long time. This makes it suitable not only for cooking, but also for serving. This helps a lot when family members miss their lunch breaks a little. It is also a great option for a party that lasts several hours, during which guests select dishes from the table from time to time. Since this brazier looks very elegant and traditional, you don't have to worry about aesthetics.

Durability – A cast iron vessel will serve you for many years.

Cast iron braziers also provide extremely even heat distribution. Another advantage is their high strength and resistance to mechanical damage, moisture, bruises and scratches. You can use them by placing them directly on the burner or even on the fire (during a campfire). Cast iron baking pans are a great replacement for glass or aluminum baking pans. In our grandmothers' kitchens, cast iron cookware could last for decades and could be passed down from generation to generation due to its extraordinary durability. Thus, the purchase of such a vessel is a long-term investment, so it should be considered even at a higher price.

Cast iron induction brazier - can it be used?

The cast iron brazier is versatile, which is another big plus. It can be used both in the oven and on the stovetop. Suitable for both gas stove and induction cooker. It can also be used on other, less common stove types such as halogen, ceramic or electric stoves. On the market they are presented as braziers made of "raw" cast iron, i.e. not covered with enamel, and enamelled.

How to choose a cast iron brazier? What types are there to choose from?

In fact, there are two types to choose from - broilers with and without enamel coating. It is worth asking first, due to the fact that thanks to the enamel coating they will be easier to clean. The visual aspect is also important - enamelware looks more attractive. The biggest advantage of an enameled cast iron pan over non-enamelled cookware is that enamel allows you to cook and store acidic foods in it. When the vessel is without such a coating, it is impractical to boil or bake acidic ingredients. "Pure" cast iron can react chemically with food.

Why choose enamelled cookware?

Thanks to the enamel coating, you can easily prepare wine sauce or tomato sauce - it is strongly not recommended for cooking in unenamelled cast iron. You do not have to constantly think and check whether you can cook this dish in your brazier or not. The coating also prevents odors from penetrating the cast iron, which can cause subsequent dishes to absorb their flavor or aroma. Enamel cookware is also easier to operate, as it does not require periodic maintenance, like a pure cast iron brazier (so-called condiment).

How to properly care for cast iron cookware so that it serves you for a long time?

When choosing such cookware, you do not need to worry about whether it will be able to work safely on your stove, regardless of its type. However, you must remember to properly care for such cookware if you want it to last longer in your kitchen. A cast iron pot without enamel should not be washed in the dishwasher, because the chemicals added during such washing (salt, rinse aid, capsules) can damage the surface of the dishes, and can also absorb the smell that will be felt in the dishwasher. dishes. Enameled models can be safely washed in the dishwasher. When cleaning, you should also remember that you can not use strong detergents, brushes and sharp sponges - washcloths. Wipe them only with a soft cloth or soft paper towel.

Cast iron broilers are very versatile and easy to use cookware that can be used to cook a wide variety of dishes. They are also very durable, so with proper cleaning and use they will last for many years.