Cooking on an AGA cooker is a little like conducting a symphony. Each section, from the simmering plates to the radiant ovens, plays its part in creating harmonious dishes that resonate with warmth and flavour. An AGA is a culinary companion that, with the right know-how, transforms everyday cooking into an art form. So, how do you harness the full potential of your AGA?
Understanding Your AGA
An AGA isn’t just any cooker. What makes an AGA unique is that it is always on, ready to cook, bake, roast, or simmer at a moment’s notice. This constant readiness is what sets AGA cooking apart and why adapting your cooking style is key.
The Golden Rule of AGA Cooking
Cook 80% in the ovens and 20% on the hotplates. This isn’t just a suggestion; it’s the cornerstone of AGA cooking. The ovens are designed to cook food gently and evenly, using radiant heat that locks in moisture and flavour. For anything that takes over 7 minutes on the hotplate, consider the oven floor your best friend for a slow, even cook.
Mastering the Ovens
The ovens are the heart of the AGA cooker. Learn to use the roasting, baking, and simmering ovens to their full potential. Each has a specific purpose, from high-heat roasting to gentle baking. And remember, the floor of the roasting oven can double as an ‘internal hotplate’ for dishes that require a slower, more even heat.
The Art of Using Hotplates
Hotplates are for starting, not finishing. Quick sears, boiling water, or getting a rapid start on a dish are where the hotplates shine. Then, it’s off to the oven for the rest of the cooking time, ensuring every meal is cooked to perfection with minimal fuss.
Adapting Recipes for AGA Cooking
Traditional recipes often require tweaks for AGA cooking. Lower temperatures but for longer times and less stirring are common adjustments, thanks to the AGA’s unique way of circulating heat. When baking, whether it is crusty bread or delicate pastries, the radiant heat ensures even baking without the need to rotate pans.
The Efficiency of Zone Cooking
Maximise your AGA’s zones. Cooking multiple dishes at once is not only possible but recommended with an AGA. Utilise the various oven levels and hotplates to cook a complete meal, (or even multiple meals) simultaneously, from sides to mains, with ease and efficiency.
The Secret to Succulent Roasts
If you are cooking a roast in your AGA, start your meat in the high-heat roasting oven, then transfer it to the simmering oven to finish cooking. This method ensures a tender, juicy result that’s hard to achieve with any other cooker.
Maintenance and Care
Keep your AGA happy. Regular cleaning and maintenance ensure your AGA runs smoothly. A happy AGA means delicious meals for years to come.
Cooking with an AGA should be a pleasure, not a chore. Embrace the unique qualities of your AGA, and let it inspire your culinary adventures. The more you cook with it, the more intuitive it becomes to use. Once you’ve mastered the basics, experiment with advanced techniques like slow-cooking overnight or using the AGA for preserving and pressure-canning.
With these tips and tricks, you’re well-equipped to explore the vast, delicious landscape that AGA cooking offers. Embrace each meal as an opportunity to discover something new about your AGA and about your abilities as a home chef.