Steaming is best for delicate foods. Steaming is the process of slowly cooking foods in boiling water. Basically, boil water in any pot or pan that has a tight-fitting lid. The food is placed in a bowl or steaming tray above water and cooked by steam. Steaming is typically done in a steaming pot, but it can also be done in a saucepan with a lid and a steaming tray, or in a skillet with a bowl. Fish and vegetables are examples of steamed foods. Steaming preserves the flavor of the food.
Stewing is a slow cooking method that uses little water. It is an excellent method for cooking less expensive tougher meats for a longer period of time, making them easier to eat and more flavorful. Stewing can be done in a stew pot or skillet with a lid to keep the heat and steam inside and the meat tender. It has the advantage of cooking slowly and without constant supervision.
Steamed foods, like boiling foods, are for tender foods. Vegetables should be cooked quickly in boiling water so that their flavor and minerals are preserved. Meats should be immersed in cold water before being brought to a boil. Once the water begins to boil, the temperature must be reduced until the water is simmering, which is when the water is barely bubbling and emitting a little steam. A saucepan is ideal for heating food.
Roasting is done in the oven on a low heat with a little fat added to prevent burning and add flavor. Roasting meats in the oven with a Dutch oven is common. Roasting is an excellent method for cooking meats and vegetables together while retaining flavor.
Grilling is a type of open-flame cooking that uses charcoal or gas. It is excellent for searing meats and vegetables and actually cooks the fats out of the meats. This method of cooking works best with a grill pan.
Cakes, breads, pastries, and casseroles are best baked. Baking dishes, casserole dishes, pie pans, and cookie pans are used in the oven. Make sure to fully cook the food without burning the outside. It is advantageous to have an oven that can maintain a constant temperature at all times.
One of the most popular cooking methods is frying. It is prepared on the stovetop in a skillet, sauté pan, or wok. using varying amounts of oil, fats or grease. Dry frying is a type of frying in which no fats, grease, or oils are used and the foods are cooked over a low heat until browned. Shallow fat frying uses only enough fat, grease, or oil to cover the pan and keep the food from sticking. It is commonly used for eggs, pancakes, and vegetables. The other method of frying is deep frying. This method necessitates cooking the food in at least 2 inches of heated grease, oils, or fats. It is used to cook chicken, potatoes, and a variety of other foods.
Cooking is enjoyable when the proper method and pot and/or pan are used. Enjoy making delicious, healthy, and well-prepared meals.
George Bloom’s mother and grandmother instilled in him a love of cooking. Growing up in the kitchen with them, he learned that cooking is the joy of preparing food for those you care about. As a result, he became involved with pots and pans.