A reliable assistant in the kitchen - a cast iron frying pan
The cast iron frying pan has long been famous for its strength and reliability. She was inherited by a young family. They gave the bride as a dowry. They gave a round sum of money for her. This is not surprising. After all, the dishes are able to retain heat for a long time. Suitable for electric, induction or gas hob. And the dishes in it are much tastier. Consider how to properly cook in a cast iron pan and keep its original appearance. But, first, we will find out the features of cast iron dishes.
Benefits of black alloy
In addition, the material has several advantages:
- never overheats (maximum melting point reaches 1400 ° C);
- durability;
- strength;
- does not exude harmful components.
However, this type of cookware is heavier than similar devices for frying food. After cooking, the dish is immediately transferred to a plate. Otherwise, the frying pan will absorb the smell. Improper care leads to rust.
Do not put a cast iron pan in the dishwasher.
Before starting to use, a number of activities are carried out.
Cast iron pan, preparing it for work
As you know, all new kitchen utensils are carefully prepared for work. However, cast iron alloy items require a special approach. At the factory, such dishes are treated with a special compound that protects against corrosion. It is impossible to remove it from the surface of the cast iron pan with water.
The rust inhibitor gives off an unpleasant odor. If not properly removed, it will end up in food.
Enhanced heat treatment will help to eliminate the problem. As a result, the pores of the cast iron will close and a non-stick base will form in the pan.
In addition, heat treatment helps to identify visible defects:
- different crack depths;
- surface heterogeneity;
- color change;
- chips.
At home, a cast-iron pan is split in different ways. Some do the procedure on the stove, others in the oven. For business, they use vegetable oil, lard, goose fat, margarine. The main task of fat is to create a protective film. The process begins with the usual washing of the pan, using any soap solution. When the dishes are dry, put on fire. When smoke appears, remove and wipe with soft napkins. Lubricated with fat. Preheat until evaporated. Wipe clean. The procedure is repeated 5 times. Wash the pan again and pat dry with a kitchen towel.
In the last century, a cast iron pan was pierced with ordinary table salt or placed in the oven for 40 minutes.
Basic terms of use
Reasonable care of a cast iron skillet includes several basic requirements. First of all, the product must be protected from falls. It cannot be used as a "weapon" during family conflicts. Use only mild detergents and a sponge to wash the pan. Never use a metal brush to remove old stains. Better to pour into a container of hot water, leave for 2 hours and then rinse.Thick deposits of fat residues are removed by boiling soda solution in a pan.
Now we will learn how to wash a cast iron pan after cooking.
There are a few simple rules:
- the dishes are washed immediately after the process;
- use hot water;
- pouring detergent onto a washcloth;
- rinse the pan;
- wipe with a towel or napkin.
When the product is completely dry, it is removed to the bedside table. The main thing is to keep it dry. High humidity can affect the protective layer of the alloy and cause corrosion. Depending on what the cast-iron pan is washed with, its durability is determined. For example, products containing chlorine destroy the protective film of the product. Some detergents leave behind harmful components that get into the food. And cleaning powders destroy the structure of the non-stick layer formed after heat treatment.
An equally important factor in the long service life of a cast iron pan is the storage method. Of course, each hostess has her own understanding of the matter.
However, there are several rules:
- there should be no corrosive substances near the product;
- the pan is kept clean, without residues of fat and food;
- Do not place other kitchen utensils on the container.
During use, carbon deposits appear in the pan. To avoid the problem, you need to carefully monitor your food preparation. If the product burns, after the process, thoroughly wash the container and re-ignite over the fire.
You can clean an old pan with vinegar or regular Coca-Cola.
Delicious food prepared with love
In cooking, there are a huge number of recipes that are easy to put into practice. However, the taste of the product directly depends on how the dish is prepared. We will learn how to fry potatoes and pieces of meat in a cast-iron pan.
First of all, wipe the container with a clean cloth to remove dust. Then they put it on the fire and warm it up well. Pour in oil. Wait a few minutes, and then lay out the chopped potatoes.
Vegetables should be dried on the table so that no water gets into the pan.
When the bottom layer is thoroughly fried, stir the product with a wooden spatula. During the frying process, potatoes absorb fat. Therefore, it is added periodically. The product is salted in the middle of the process, when the vegetable begins to soften. After 30 minutes, the dish is ready and the pan is shiny like new.
Meat dishes are prepared in a similar way. Chop the frying pan. Put fat first, and then pieces of meat. Cover with a lid. When the liquid boils away, the fat is poured in again and stewed over low heat.
Is it possible to put a cast-iron pan in the oven to bake boiled pork or chicken? Of course, if she is without handles. Otherwise, they will start to melt, which will affect the taste of the product. The container is often used as a cake pan or pizza... A truly versatile piece in the kitchen that is difficult to do without.
To this day, a cast iron pan is actively used for preparing delicious dishes. A new item is carefully prepared for work by heat treatment. Someone preheats a frying pan on the fire, someone suits an oven. Proper care will ensure a long service life of the frying pan. The frying pan can be gladly presented to the newlyweds for a wedding or inherited to grandchildren.
I really love my cast iron skillet! The food is very tasty, especially fried potatoes))) And it is easier to care for such a frying pan than for a Teflon one!