Sun, 07 Aug 22 15:59:40 +0000

The Little Things: The Only Frying Pan Every Cook Needs

(CNN)Kitchens are packed with all kinds of cookware in the rafters. As a professional recipe developer and food him writer, I can swear it's a job. But my cast iron skillet is the one I use more often than any other skillet. and unlike most electronic kitchen essentials, it will last for generations. (I'm looking at you, air fryer.)

I like cast iron for stove-to-oven use because it can withstand high temperatures and retain heat well. It's great for scrambled eggs, stir-frying veggies, cooking homemade tortillas, and even grilling fruit cobblers, as well as steaks and chicken breasts.

It's also an affordable cookware. There is also. So collecting cast iron can be crazy. I love restoring vintage cast iron skillets found in antique stores, but novice cast iron cooks can pick up the Lodge Skillet. Under $30.

As you may have heard, cast iron skillets are very easy to maintain. You don't need much more than hot water to clean them, along with a little kosher salt to scrub stubborn areas.What about sustainability?

Frustrated cooks often ask me what to do with a scratched nonstick pan. We wholeheartedly recommend cast iron as a durable alternative. Unlike coated nonstick pans, the finish of cast iron pans does not degrade over time. In fact, the oil used for cooking becomes part of the pan itself, so the non-stick properties of cast iron improve with repeated use.

Don't worry about using metal fixtures on cast iron either. If you accidentally scratch the finish, you can easily season thecast iron skillet with heat and vegetable oil.

One caveat: Do not cook highly acidic foods such as tomatoes, vinegar, wine, or citrus in the pot until the pot seasoning is ready. A well-seasoned pot will simmer easily with these ingredients, although the acid may dissolve in the finish. Use enamelled cast-iron parts such as ovens.)

What to cook in a cast-iron skillet

The 10-inch high-sided cast iron skillet is a frying pan you'll want to grab again and again. Once you start using it, you'll find yourself heading to the stove (or oven) for many meals, but here are some suggestions. }

You don't need to take out the casserole dish when making this hearty and rustic dish. Minced meat (or lentils for the vegetarian option) and vegetables are sautéed and simmered in a skillet with wine and broth, topped with mashed potatoes and transferred to the oven.

Although the names are often used interchangeably,Shepherd's Pie traditionally refers to a lamb-based dish, while cottage pie refers to a beef-based version. To make a variation known as Cumberland pie, top mashed potatoes with shredded cheese and bread crumbs.

Macaroni and Cheese

Many recipes call for boiling and cooking the pasta separately from the cream cheese sauce, buta creamy one-pot meal Crisply grilled bits. Who needs boxed mac and cheese when you have this stovetop option.Make macaroni and cheese bubbly on the grill using the cast iron skillet

Roast chicken and vegetables

Roast While whole chicken is always a comfort food winner. Bone-in chicken breasts and thighs are best served in a cast-iron skillet because the skin on the cut is crispy and easy.

The easiest way is: Grill chicken skin side down in oil or butter over medium-high heat (takes about 3-4 minutes). Return the chicken, skin side up, to the pan and bake at 400 degrees Fahrenheit until the chicken reaches 165 degrees on a meat thermometer.

The variations of this meal template are nearly endless,You can start with chicken and wild mushrooms, Greek-style chicken thighs with olives and lemon, or . } Roast chicken and potatoes with pan sauce.

Pan Pizza

If you want a thick, chewy crust for family pizza night, ditch the baking stone and use a cast iron skillet instead please. Preheating a skillet in the oven will sizzle the surface of the dough, causing the pizza to rise to a pillow-like height.

If using store-bought pizza dough, allow dough to come to room temperature before stretching. That way you can prevent the dreaded bounce reaction that keeps the dough from filling the pan completely.

Or red checkered tablecloths, Tiffany-style lamps (and Book If you want to go back to the days of the It. program and eat pizza,Make your own bread pizza dough}

Dutch Baby

For a weekend breakfast, or a weekday dinner breakfast, crack open a cast iron skillet to create an impressive Dutch baby. These family-sized pancakes rise and deflate in the oven to create a bowl-shaped pastry. Try the

sweet Maple Buttermilk Dutch Baby topped with berries and cream or the savory Dutch Baby topped with poached egg and ham.

Cornbread

Sweetened with sugar or honey, stuffed with fresh corn or jalapeño peppers, buttered and baked in a cast iron skillet. Cornbread is even better for a crisp brown crust. water droplets, etc.). Sized for a 9-inch baking dish, this cornbread recipe also works in a skillet.Try this crispy version made with both polenta and millet.

Tahdig

This traditionalPersian rice dishis famous for its crisp golden underlayer. cast iron skillet. The heat is strong, so it cooks crisply without sticking or sticking.

Serve with rice orTurmeric with chickpeas or Spiced chicken

Skillet brownies with cookies

Large Oreo encrusted brownie OR Chocolate chip cookie Single serving if made in cast iron skillet. Whether you prefer crispy, crunchy edges, or gooey, rich centers, or both, these desserts will deliver. Serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream on top.