Top Tips for Using The AGA Simmering Oven
The AGA is a beloved staple in many kitchens, known for its versatility, timeless design, and impressive cooking capabilities. One of its standout features is the simmering oven, a component that can completely transform your approach to slow cooking and meal preparation.
Whether you are an AGA novice or a seasoned owner, understanding how to make the most of this oven can elevate your culinary experience. This guide will explore essential techniques, recipe ideas, and clever ways to use the AGA simmering oven, including how it can stand in for other kitchen appliances, such as a slow cooker.
Understanding the Simmering Oven
The AGA simmering oven operates at a lower temperature, typically around 90-120°C (194-248°F). This gentle, consistent heat makes it ideal for slow cooking, gently warming food, and even delicate baking. It’s the perfect environment for dishes that require a low-and-slow approach, ensuring that flavours have time to develop while keeping meats tender and succulent.
Unlike conventional ovens, the AGA simmering oven maintains a constant, even temperature, which eliminates the need for frequent checks or adjustments. Simply place your dish inside, let the oven work its magic, and return to a perfectly cooked meal.
Top Tips for Getting the Most Out of the Simmering Oven
1. Use it as a Slow Cooker Substitute
The AGA simmering oven is a natural replacement for a traditional slow cooker. From hearty stews to tender pulled meats, the consistent heat mirrors the performance of an electric slow cooker. Simply prepare your dish in a cast iron or oven-safe casserole dish, cover it, and leave it in the simmering oven for a few hours.
Try This Recipe:
- Slow-Cooked Beef Stew: Combine diced beef, carrots, onions, potatoes, and a rich beef stock in a heavy casserole dish. Add herbs like thyme and bay leaves for added flavour. Cook in the simmering oven for 3-4 hours until the beef is melt-in-your-mouth tender.
2. Perfect for Warming and Reheating
The simmering oven excels at gently reheating food without drying it out. If you need to keep a dish warm for a dinner party or family gathering, simply place it inside the oven, covered, until you’re ready to serve. This method works wonderfully for casseroles, curries, and even desserts like puddings.
Tip: You can also use the simmering oven to warm plates before serving for that extra touch of hospitality.
3. Bake Delicate Dishes
While the roasting oven handles higher temperatures, the simmering oven is ideal for baking delicate dishes like custards, meringues, or cheesecakes that require gentle, controlled heat.
Try This Recipe:
- Classic Rice Pudding: Combine pudding rice, milk, sugar, and a dash of vanilla in an oven-safe dish. Bake in the simmering oven for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally, until creamy and soft.
4. Gentle Slow Roasting
For joints of meat that benefit from a slow and steady cooking process, the simmering oven is your go-to option. It’s particularly useful for cuts like lamb shoulder, pork belly, or brisket, where a longer cooking time results in rich, tender, and flavourful results.
Tip: Sear the meat briefly in the roasting oven or on the hotplate before transferring it to the simmering oven for slow roasting.
5. Cook One-Pot Meals with Ease
One-pot meals are the ultimate convenience for busy households, and the simmering oven makes preparing them effortless. From slow-cooked curries to casseroles, you can let your dish bubble away gently while you focus on other tasks.
Try This Recipe:
- Chicken and Vegetable Casserole: Brown chicken thighs and vegetables on the AGA hotplate, then add stock, herbs, and seasonings. Transfer to the simmering oven for 2-3 hours for a fuss-free, comforting meal.
6. Use it for Overnight Cooking
If you want to save time, consider using the simmering oven for overnight cooking. Dishes like porridge, slow-cooked oats, or braised meats can gently cook through the night, leaving you with a ready-to-eat meal in the morning.
Tip: Cover dishes tightly to retain moisture and prevent over-drying during longer cooking sessions.
What Else Can the AGA Simmering Oven Replace?
The versatility of the simmering oven means it can replace a range of kitchen appliances, saving space and energy. Here are some examples:
- Slow Cooker: As mentioned, the gentle heat makes it an excellent alternative for slow-cooked meals.
- Plate Warmer: Warm plates and serving dishes effortlessly.
- Food Warmer: Keep food warm without overheating or drying it out.
- Yoghurt Maker: Use the consistent low temperature to incubate homemade yoghurt.
- Dehydrator: Dry herbs, fruit, and vegetables gently without a specialist dehydrator.
The AGA simmering oven is more than just a low-temperature cooking space; it’s a multi-functional feature that enhances every aspect of your kitchen experience. By mastering its capabilities, you can simplify your meal preparation, improve your slow-cooked recipes, and enjoy the rich, comforting flavours that only a simmering oven can deliver.
Whether you’re baking a delicate dessert, cooking a family casserole, or replacing your slow cooker, the AGA simmering oven is an invaluable tool that every AGA owner should make the most of. So go ahead, experiment with these tips, and enjoy the culinary possibilities this versatile oven has to offer!
FAQ
Can I leave food unattended in the AGA simmering oven?
Yes, the AGA simmering oven maintains a consistent low temperature, making it safe to leave food unattended for several hours, just like a slow cooker.
How does the AGA simmering oven compare to a slow cooker?
The simmering oven mimics the slow cooker’s performance but offers greater versatility. It provides even, gentle heat for slow-cooked dishes while also being useful for baking, warming, and more.
What types of dishes work best in the simmering oven?
Stews, casseroles, braised meats, soups, and puddings all thrive in the AGA simmering oven. It’s also great for reheating food and warming plates.
Can I use the simmering oven to bake bread?
The simmering oven is better suited for delicate baking, like custards or puddings, as it operates at a lower temperature. For bread, the roasting oven is more appropriate.
Is it energy-efficient to use the simmering oven regularly?
Yes, AGA ovens are designed to be energy-efficient by maintaining consistent heat. The simmering oven is an excellent way to batch-cook or slow-cook food with minimal energy usage.