Why a plancha?
A plancha is versatile, and thanks to its smooth, evenly heated cooking surface made of high-quality steel, your dishes are perfectly fried or grilled. Planchas are made from durable materials such as cast iron or steel, making them resistant to intensive use. Additionally, planchas are easy to clean and maintain.
How does cooking on a plancha work?
Cooking on a plancha is very simple, here are the steps explained:
- Preparing the plancha: Before you begin cooking, preheat the plancha. Light the fire in the fire bowl or fire pit and carefully place the plancha on top. Ensure the plancha is clean before starting.
- Adding oil: Once the plancha is preheated, add a bit of oil to the surface to prevent food from sticking. Use a heat-resistant oil such as vegetable oil, sunflower oil, or olive oil. Spread the oil evenly across the plancha surface using a brush or kitchen paper.
- Place the food on the plancha and spread it evenly over the surface. You can prepare different types of food simultaneously, such as meat, fish, vegetables, and even eggs.
- Cooking and flipping: Let the food cook on the plancha and flip it regularly using tongs or spatulas. This ensures even cooking on both sides and prevents burning.
- Once the food is cooked, remove it from the plancha and serve immediately. Enjoy your meal!
- After using the plancha, allow it to cool down. Then, clean it thoroughly to prepare it for the next use. Note: Steel planchas should also be stored ungreased to prevent rusting.
Do you need oil to cook on a plancha?
Using oil on a plancha during cooking is recommended for the following reasons:
- Prevents sticking: Adding a thin layer of oil to the plancha surface helps prevent food from sticking. This is especially useful when cooking foods high in protein such as meat and fish.
- Flavor and texture: Oil can also contribute to creating a crispy texture and adding flavor to the food, such as olive oil, for example.
- Heat distribution: A thin layer of oil on the plancha can assist in even heat distribution, allowing the food to cook evenly.
How do you clean the plancha?
Cleaning the plancha is quite simple, here's how it works:
- Remove excess grease and food residue: Use a spatula or scraper to remove excess grease and food residue from the plancha.
- Let the plancha cool down: Ensure the plancha is completely cooled down before starting the cleaning process.
- Use warm water and a mild detergent: Fill a basin with warm water and add a mild detergent. Use a soft sponge or cloth to thoroughly clean the plancha. Avoid using aggressive cleaners that could damage the non-stick coating. Also, be cautious with steel spatulas as they can cause scratches.
- Rinse thoroughly: Rinse the plancha thoroughly with clean water to remove any soap residue.
- Dry the plancha: Use a clean cloth or kitchen paper towels to dry the plancha thoroughly. This also helps prevent rust formation.
- Apply a thin layer of oil: Once the plancha is completely clean and dry, apply a thin layer of vegetable oil to protect the non-stick coating and prevent further rusting.
Store the plancha in a dry place: Store the plancha in a dry place to prevent rust and extend the product's lifespan.
