When using an older stove with a flaming gas burner, it's important to rotate the ingredients to ensure even cooking. Last week, while I was helping a friend make risotto cakes, the cake in the center of the pan was done in minutes, but the cakes on the outside were barely browned. Since the heat is strongest directly above the flame, it's only natural for the middle items to cook more quickly.
Although my friend started to worry, I pointed out that if we rotated the cakes to give each one time in the center of the pan, they would evenly brown. The process is slower and requires patience, yet the reward — in our case fully cooked, golden-brown risotto cakes — is worth it. Do you have an old-style gas stove? How do you evenly cook things?
Star by Julien Macdonald
If you have a good pan, this isn't a problem. Instead of spending your time rotating food, tell your friend to spend some money on a decent pan.
1Yeah I was going to say something similar...
2"old-style" gas stove?? as opposed to electric burners where you can't control the temperature at all? yuck.
3Gas burners actually generally provide much better and more even heating along with better temperature control! I agree with gdm... sounds like you need better pans
4Ditto mamasitamali! How is a gas stove "old-style?" Electric burners are incredibly difficult to cook with and gas stoves rock!
5I agree that new pans are ideal for cooking...however when using a stove from the 1925 era, the age of a pan really doesn't make a difference. I think Party's tip is perfect for readers living in extremely old buildings and for those who don't cook regularly enough to invest in pricey new pots/pans.
6I have a gas stove too. I do know that when designing condos, they actually prefer gas stoves. They are very desired by people who do a lot of cooking.
7We have good pans, but we also don't use extra large pans when making things like pancakes, etc. Helps keep things in the middle. When using the large skillet, we just mix often.
I love gas stoves. I've decided that once you go gas, you never go back!
8I have electric and I hate it, I can't control temp and can't cook things directly on the burners, like roasting peppers or eggplants.
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