How to Properly Use an Oven

Read in EnglishThe oven of the stove is undoubtedly one of the great allies in the kitchen. However, sometimes we prefer not to use it, and there are two main reasons why we don't take full advantage of it: the first is that you don't have time to cook, and the second, because you don't know how to use the oven correctly or what foods you can prepare without causing a total disaster. In this situation, we will show you how to use the oven easily and simply.1. When you open the oven door, you will notice that it has two racks, which are used to place the dishes, but you should know that their main function is to distance the containers with the food from the heat. So if you want to gratin something, you should place it in the highest part, as that is where the heat is most concentrated.2. Putting your dish in the middle of the racks will give you even cooking, as the heat will envelop your dish from all sides, so it is the perfect distance for cooking. If you only want to reheat your food, you should place it in the lowest part since the temperature is lower.HOW TO COOK BAKED POTATOES WITH BACON3. Modern ovens already have different functions, so by turning a knob, you can choose how to cook your dish, whether it's grill (to roast cuts of meat or gratin), slow cooking (cooking pieces of meat in an open container), pizza function, or simply defrosting. Additionally, if your oven is not that modern and still lacks technology, you can calculate the cooking time with a thermometer that you can find in any supermarket. 4. To dehydrate foods, the ideal temperature is 80 degrees Celsius so that they retain their properties. Also, to prevent the temperature from rising too much and affecting the final result of your dishes, we recommend not closing the oven completely, leaving a crack for air circulation, as this will help maintain a stable temperature. The dehydration time will vary depending on the thickness of the foods, but they will be ready in about seven to eight hours.5. If you want to get creative and make desserts like cookies, remember that the ideal temperature for baking them should be 130 degrees Celsius, and still, we recommend considering that every oven has a variable power. Also, it can be affected by the thickness of the flour, but they will be ready in about 30 to 35 minutes.6. To prepare stews, your oven should be at 150 degrees Celsius. For example, a lasagna, which is made up of pasta, cheese, and cream, will be ready in 30 minutes. If you are making pork loin, you should leave it in the oven for about 25 minutes, so the meat absorbs the flavors of the ingredients with which you cook it; while a stuffed chicken should be cooking for 30 minutes. Remember that these times may vary depending on the power of each oven. BOLOGNESE LASAGNA RECIPE7. For baked desserts like pound cakes, cakes, or cupcakes, your oven should be at a temperature of 180 degrees Celsius, regardless of whether it is chocolate, vanilla, or strawberry, for example. The dish with the flour should be inside the oven for about 40 minutes. Once it is cooked and slightly golden, you can take it out and before removing it, let it cool for 15 minutes to successfully unmold it. Once it reaches room temperature, you can decorate it.8. If you are going to cook meat or fish in the oven, it should be at 200 degrees Celsius. If your meat has a bone, it should be placed down. If it is a cut with a lot of fat, that part should be on top so that it can drain and give better flavor to the cut. The meat and fish will seal (brown on the outside and retain their juices) for 5 to 10 minutes. Once this time is up, lower the temperature to 180 degrees and leave it for another 10 minutes to avoid losing flavor.OVEN-BAKED LEG RECIPES9. When cooking with kids, we recommend choosing a recipe like pizza, as it is fun but also serves to teach children the difficulty of kneading, making the sauce, and placing the ingredients (cheese, pepperoni, ham, pineapple, etc.). Before putting it in the oven, it should be preheated to 250 degrees. Then you will have to lower the temperature to 220 degrees and place the pizza inside, which will be ready in 5 to 10 minutes.10. The golden rule for many dishes to achieve perfect cooking is to never open the oven while something is cooking, or at least not during the first 20 minutes. Remember that the temperature inside transforms, and air shocks will harm your dishes; the meat will bleed, and the pastries will flatten... This maneuver (opening the door) is only valid when you are gratinizing some food.If your oven does not have a built-in thermometer, you can purchase one that you can hang or place upright inside your oven to monitor the temperature.Once you lose the fear and learn how to use the oven, you will see all the advantages, benefits, and dishes you can prepare there, and it will become your ally for making delicious food.