Your pizza oven is a super workhorse, able to cook a gorgeous variety of food way beyond its name. According to experts and chefs, this setup can be a favourite for outdoor cooking, provided you invest in it and employ proper techniques.
It can be used to cook a wide range of dishes, from sumptuous main meals to decadent desserts. In this post, we will explore how to use your outdoor pizza oven to prepare a variety of tasty foods that can rival even a master chef.
For those seeking this versatility, Gozney pizza ovens available at BBQs2u are expertly crafted to deliver exceptional multi-purpose cooking results.
Mastering Breads and Flatbreads
The very hot, dry heat is perfect for baking. The hot temperatures make the outside crispy and golden, while leaving the inside of the dough tender and airy. Focaccia is a perfect candidate; after proofing in a greased pan, bake it in a “falling oven” (after the main fire has died down) for approximately 30-35 minutes.
Flatbreads such as naan and pita bread do not suffer and, depending on the naan or pita bread, take approximately one minute to puff on the hot stone.
Roasting and Grilling Meats to Perfection
The intense heat is best at caramelizing proteins, trapping juices, and even imparting a smokiness. To produce a perfect steak, preheat a cast-iron pan directly on the oven stone. Cook a seasoned steak at room temperature for 90 seconds to 2 minutes per side to get a great crust.
The thighs are especially tolerant and turn juicy and tender when grilled on each side for a few minutes. Whole chickens may also be roasted slowly, basted the whole time so as to get a crisp skin.
Transforming Vegetables and Sides
The vegetables are immensely affected by the high heat, caramelizing the natural sugars. Asparagus, bell peppers, and onions acquire a sweet, smoky taste that surpasses roasting. Even ingredients such as tomatillos and jalapenos can be roasted in a dry cast-iron pan to produce a delicious salsa verde.
Baking Delectable Desserts
The still-warm oven is ideal for making a rich, smoky-sweet dessert. A cast-iron skillet cookie takes 15-20 minutes to bake, with brown and puffed edges. A mere peach cobbler will serve wonderfully in a sinking oven; mush the peaches and the cake mix up in a dish and leave it in the dropped oven to finish slowly.
Pro Tips for Success
- Invest in the Right Tools: Quality tools include a cast-iron skillet, a metal cake pan, and an infrared thermometer to measure temperatures.
- Understand Temperature Control: Higher, direct heat is used in searing. Utilize residual “falling” heat for slower cooking, like baking bread or desserts.
- Use Oven-Safe Cookware: Make sure to use very heat-resistant materials, like cast-iron or uncoated metal pans.
Unlocking your oven’s full potential transforms it from a single-use appliance like Gozney Tread into a complete outdoor kitchen, a principle understood by experts at BBQs2u. Adopting these concepts, you can experience a world of flavour and maximize culinary investment.
