As part of our Electrify Your Home blog series, MasterChef Simon Toohey is sharing his passion for induction cooking. Cooking on electric can be more efficient, climate-friendly, reduce costs – and as his recipes demonstrate, produce delicious food!
Induction cooking has revolutionized the way we approach culinary endeavours, offering unparalleled precision, efficiency, and safety in the kitchen. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a novice cook, mastering the art of induction cooking can elevate your culinary creations to new heights. In this guide, we'll explore top recipes and essential tips to help you achieve great results when cooking with induction.
- Invest in quality cookware: The foundation of successful induction cooking lies in quality cookware. Since induction cooktops rely on electromagnetic technology to heat pots and pans, it's crucial to use cookware with magnetic properties. Opt for pots and pans made from materials such as stainless steel, cast iron, or enamelled cast iron, which are compatible with induction cooktops and ensure optimal heat transfer.
- Embrace precise temperature control: One of the key advantages of induction cooking is its ability to provide precise temperature control. Take full advantage of this feature by experimenting with recipes that require specific temperature settings, such as delicate sauces, candies, or tempering chocolate. With the ability to adjust heat levels with precision, you can achieve perfect results every time.
- Quick and efficient cooking: Induction cooktops heat up quickly and offer rapid response times, making them ideal for busy weeknight dinners or impromptu gatherings. Try recipes that capitalize on induction's efficiency, such as stir-fries, sautés, or one-pan meals. With faster cooking times and minimal preheating, you can whip up delicious meals in a fraction of the time.
- Explore sous vide cooking: Sous vide cooking, a technique that involves cooking food in vacuum-sealed bags at precise temperatures, pairs perfectly with induction technology. Use your induction cooktop to maintain consistent water temperatures for sous vide cooking, resulting in perfectly cooked meats, seafood, and vegetables with minimal effort. Experiment with different cuts of meat and flavour combinations to unlock the full potential of sous vide cooking.
- Get creative with induction-friendly recipes: Induction cooking opens up a world of culinary possibilities, allowing you to explore a wide range of recipes and cooking techniques. From classic dishes to innovative creations, let your creativity shine in the kitchen. Try your hand at homemade pasta, risottos, or even homemade desserts like crème brûlée, which benefit from precise temperature control and even heating.
- Practice proper cookware placement: When using induction cooktops, proper cookware placement is essential for efficient heat transfer. Place pots and pans directly onto the cooking surface, ensuring that they are centred over the induction coils. Avoid using oversized cookware that extends beyond the cooking zones, as this can lead to uneven heating and inefficient energy usage.
- Experiment and have fun: Above all, don't be afraid to experiment and have fun with induction cooking. Use it as an opportunity to expand your culinary skills, try new recipes, and push the boundaries of traditional cooking methods. With its versatility, precision, and efficiency, induction cooking offers endless possibilities for culinary creativity and culinary success.
Mastering induction cooking is a journey filled with excitement, experimentation, and delicious discoveries. By investing in quality cookware, embracing precise temperature control, and exploring a variety of recipes and techniques, you can unlock the full potential of induction technology and elevate your culinary creations to new heights.
So fire up your induction cooktop, unleash your creativity, and prepare to embark on a culinary adventure like never before.
Simon's fave gnocchi
1 portion of gnocchi (store bought is fine)
40ml of Extra Virgin Olive Oil
4 cloves of garlic
Big pinch of salt
1 tablespoon nutritional yeast
1 sprig thyme
100ml plant based cream
Salt and pepper
Method
Place the gnocchi into salted boiling water. in the meantime gently cook the garlic in the olive oil along with the pinch of salt. As soon as a little colour turns on the garlic, add the thyme nutritional yeast, cream and pepper.
At this stage the gnocchi will be floating in the water. Scoop out and place in the cream mixture. Stir quickly, pour onto the plate and serve.
