Staub cookware: my favorite pieces

by

Martha Parker

Im a big fan of cast iron cookware. I have several pieces that I bought over the years. In my research for the perfect Dutch oven I stumbled upon a renowned French manufacturer of cast iron cookware Staub.

Staub cookware is made with enameled cast iron (except for certain pieces). Because of that, unlike bare cast iron, it doesnt discolor or rust, its nonreactive to acidic foods, it doesnt require seasoning and it can be washed more thoroughly. Staub is best known for their French/Dutch ovens (or Cocottes) but they make other pieces of cast iron pots and pans. I have tried several of their cookware pieces and here is my top 3 list: The French (Dutch) oven or Cocotte: This French (or Dutch) oven is one of my all time favorites. I use to prepare my soups, stews, roasted meats, casseroles and even bread. This is a piece of cookware you will use very often. The great thing is that it has a black interior that is resistant to scratching. Furthermore because of the black color no staining or discoloration will occur (I just hate when that happens). Its really true that pot becomes nonstick the more you use. Thats because the cooking oil seep into the pores of the pot seasoning the cooking surface. You can use it on a stovetop or in the oven. The Cocotte has a special lid that ensures self basting. In the end, I just have to mention the absolute beauty of this pot. The exterior has a nice, glossy ceramic finish with the most beautiful (and unusual) vibrant colors. When you see them you just wish you had them all! The Cocotte is made in oval and round shapes. The oval ones are ideal for fish and poultry. Any downside? Yes, the pot is a little bit heavy but since its made of cast iron (one of the most dense materials) I guess thats how its supposed to be. The American grill pan: I love grilled meat and this is a way to prepare it all year long without having to light up your barbecue. Mostly I make steaks and burgers in it. I just preheat the pan on high heat and then grill my meat. I get a perfect nice brown or black sear and a delicious rare and red interior. The pan’s surface has high raised ridges that allow fat to drain off and leave some nice grill marks on your food. The pan has spouts on the sides so you can easily pour off the oil and the fat. The pan is square shaped and has a quite spacious cooking surface (12-by-12-inch) so you can grill meat for a small family. Again, like the Cocotte, this pan needs no seasoning and it becomes nonstick with time. Any downsides? The pan can be sometimes difficult to clean, but I pour some warm water in it soak it for 15-30 minutes and then wash it with mild soap. The crepe pan: Before I bought this cast iron crepe pan I was making my pancakes in a nonstick pan. But I wasn’t exactly delighted with the final especially after having tried the French crepes. I decided to buy the Staub cast iron crepe pan and I was finally able to make real pancakes. I preheat the pan on medium heat and then spread the batter with the wooden spreader (you get it with the pan). I wasn’t familiar with this cooking technique in which you spread the batter by rotating the spreader in the pan (one end of the spreader stays in the center while the other end rotates around the pan). After few attempts I mastered it and now I’m a pro. Of course, the pancakes are delicious with this pan and I can’t imagine going back to my old pan. Any downsides? It’s a little bit heavy but its a small price to pay for such delicious tasting pancakes.

When cooking with a Staub pot or pan avoid using metal utensils because they can damage the surface. After washing it always dry it thoroughly.

You can find this great French cookware at discounted prices by clicking Staub Cookware

. If you are interested in their beautiful French oven click

Staub cocotte

.

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Staub cookware: my favorite pieces