How to Use Waterless Cookware
Waterless cookware has been around the culinary world for decades, although it is still relatively unknown to the home cook. Constructed of layers of heavy-gauge stainless steel with heavy lids that trap in moisture, waterless cookware offers an alternative to boiling and simmering foods. The lids lock in the natural moisture released by the foods you cook and require no extra water or stock to produce fully cooked foods. Using waterless cookware is a little different from typical pans, although many people prefer them. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Select the right pan for the food you are cooking. When using waterless cookware, you want the food to nearly fill the pan, so a smaller pan is always preferred over a larger pan. These pans cook by using natural moisture already in the food, so the smaller the pan, the less surface area the moisture has to cover.
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Rinse the pan and lid with cold water before use. The cold water rinse is important to remove any chemicals that might be in the pan and to coat it with an extra layer of moisture for proper cooking. Until you get used to using waterless cookware, add a tablespoon or two of water to prevent your food from burning.
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Place your food in the pan and season before covering with the proper lid. All types of food, such as raw meats, vegetables and fresh fruits can be cooked in waterless pans, although if you want to cook meats and vegetables in the same pan, place firmer vegetables such as potatoes on the bottom and meat on top. If your lid has a steam vent, close it to prevent moisture from escaping.
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Turn the heat to medium and place your pan on the burner. Waterless cookware does not require any additional liquids to thoroughly cook your food, but high temperatures can cause the moisture to evaporate too quickly and burn your food. If you notice steam escaping from the lid, turn the heat down a little bit to prevent overcooking.
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Shut the heat off at the end of the recommended cooking time and allow your pan to cool slightly before removing the lid. Waterless cooking often causes vapor buildup and can make lids very difficult to remove, so open the steam vent if you are still having trouble taking the lid off. Check your food with a cooking thermometer or knife for doneness before serving.
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Tips & Warnings
Follow the recipe book that came with your waterless cookware closely for best results. Waterless cooking is often faster than cooking in normal pans, so check cooking times carefully to prevent burning.
Never peek at your food during cooking. Removing the lid lets out valuable moisture and steam that helps your food cook, so peeking can result in raw, undercooked food.
