How to Cook With a Cast Iron Roaster
Your great-great grandmother probably considered her cast-iron roaster a prized possession. Pioneers found them indispensable because of their versatility. Cast iron's heavy-duty construction means it will hold heat and cook your dishes evenly. Once you know the basics, you can cook entrees or desserts, from roasts to cakes. Think about your most-likely use for your cookware before you purchase it. Smaller pots work better for desserts and breads. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Cast-Iron Secrets
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Choose a large, oval roaster if you will use it primarily for large roasts, such as Thanksgiving turkey. Consider a Dutch oven with a lid if you want to use the roaster for a variety of dishes. Outdoor cooking over fire requires a pot with legs so you can place it over hot ashes. If you will be cooking indoors, choose a pot with a smooth bottom.
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Season your cast-iron pot prior to its first use. Seasoning coats the pot with a hard, non-stick finish and prevents the pan from absorbing strong flavors.
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Begin by washing your pot in warm, sudsy water. Rinse and dry the pot completely. Rub olive oil over the inside of the pot's cooking surface. Include the inside of the lid in your seasoning process.
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Place the pot in your oven for one hour at 350 or 400 degrees F. Turn the oven off and leave the pot inside until it cools. The seasoning oil may smoke as it heats, so you can season your pot on your outdoor grill if you prefer. Heat the grill at 400 or 500 degrees F and follow the same procedure.
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Use your pot for all your favorite recipes. Roast meats and poultry, simmer stews and bake breads or desserts. As you use your pot, the seasoning will grow darker and add to the non-stick surface.
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Pre-heat your pot over your chosen heat source. Brown your meats and season them to taste. For slow-cooking, place the pot in the oven at a low temperature to finish cooking.
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Adapt favorite recipes for outdoor cooking. For example, prepare a casserole dish as usual, but put the ingredients in the roaster. Position the pot over charcoal, placing some hot coals on the lid to generate additional heat from the top. Heating your pot from the top and bottom simulates your oven's heat.
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Clean your pot by boiling water in it and scraping off the cooked food particles. Refill the pot with water and boil a second time. Wash the pot with soapy water if you prefer, but soap will break down the non-stick surface. You may need to re-season your pot more frequently if you choose to use soap.
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Tips & Warnings
Re-season your roaster when food begins to stick. Cast iron roasters will last your lifetime with proper care. Scrub rust spots with fine steel wool, then wash the pot and re-season it.
Your cast iron heats slowly and retains heat for a long time. Let the pot cool sufficiently before you handle it or use potholders.
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