Durotherm Cooking Tips for Vegetables

Vegetables and Waterless Cooking

When Durotherm Cookware is heated, steam is produced inside by the food that is cooking. The unique convex lid creates a convection effect that bastes the food in its own moisture as it cooks. In addition, the condensation of steam is collected in the groove between the casserole and the lid forming a seal and preventing heat loss. Oxygen can't get in, so vitamins are preserved and the food keeps its bright, natural colours.

Instructions for waterless cooking

Important: Remove the clip-on serving base! The pot will not heat up if the base is left on.

• Place rinsed ingredients (vegetables, dripping wet or drained) with 3 - 4 tbsp. of liquid into the slightly warmed pan. Fill pan ¾ full with ingredients.
• Place the lid on the pan.
• Heat at medium high setting until the first trace of steam begins to escape from the lid. Reduce heat and cook on a low setting, beginning the timing of the recipe. For cooking times see chart.

CAUTION! Gas flame should come in contact with the bottom of the pan only. Excessive flame exposure to the sides of Durotherm will result in discoloration.

• If steam is escaping from the lid after heat has been reduced, reduce heat to the lowest setting. If necessary, briefly remove the pan from the heat source or turn stove off for a short time to prevent overcooking or burning. This method may be necessary with electric ranges.
• Do not season the food until the cooking process is completed. The natural vitamins, flavours and mineral salts are retained inside the food.
• Cooking times for vegetables are highly variable and are comparable to those required for conventional stovetop cooking. Times depend on individual taste and preference as well as the age and size of the vegetable pieces. See time chart for details.
• If the lid is repeatedly removed, add a little water to compensate for the loss. (2-3 tbsp.)
• The perfect cooking temperature (stove setting) is achieved when the lid spins easily on the pan, with just a little steam escaping around the rim. If the temperature is too high, lots of steam will be escaping. If the temperature is too low, turn up the heat slightly.
• Be sure there is enough moisture in the pan to produce some steam at all times.
• You may choose to cook various vegetables with similar cooking times together. Each vegetable will retain its unique flavour because of the waterless cooking method.
• Indicated cooking times start after initial heat-up when steam begins escaping, or once the stove is adjusted to low temperature setting.