An Introductory AGA Recipe book - the 10 cooking methods
T he launch of AGA Total Control provides the opportunity to reflect on why the AGA remains the world’s best cooker. Gustav Dalén, the inventor of the AGA, recognised that the ingredients, the recipes and the correct application of heat – essentially an engineering question – have to come together to create great food. The radiant heat from all around from the cast iron walls of the AGA cooker, is simply a better cooking method than typical conventional ovens provide.
Grill 10 COOKING METHODS Succulent steaks and chops cooked on your AGA boiling plate in the special cast iron grill pan. Fierce heat reminiscent of a charcoal grill sears the outside of the meat, sealing in flavour and juices, while the meat gently cooks to perfection on the inside.
Grill The Full English When nothing but an English breakfast will do. Any late-wakers in the house will be tempted out of bed with the irresistible lure of sizzling bacon. Place a piece of Bake-O-Glide in the large AGA roasting tin and place halved tomatoes, the mushrooms and black pudding in the base. Place the sausages on the grill rack and place the rack over the tomatoes and mushrooms.
Toast Cheese and Ham Toasties When the whole clan need refuelling quickly, these are an easy option as the simmering plate will take up to four sandwiches at once. No butter is needed for the outside as the bread will brown beautifully naturally and a piece of Bake-O-Glide will stave off cheesy spills. Butter the bread and place a slice of cheese and ham between the two slices of bread; spread a little mustard over the ham if liked. Toast the sandwich on the simmering plate with the hotplate cover down.
Stir Fry Sesame Beef Stir Fry Food in a flash is epitomised by the stir-fry. A meal in itself, it makes a fantastic work-night dish. Don’t be shy about experimenting with the ingredients, substituting and adding in things that might need eating up in the fridge. Cut the fillet of beef into strips. Heat an AGA wok on the boiling plate, add the sesame oil, when hot place in the strips of beef and stir fry until browning, about 2-3 minutes, and then add the mushrooms and chilli. Stir fry for a further minute.
Fry Pan Fried Sea Bass with Tangy Mango Salsa The fish cooks brilliantly quickly and the most time-consuming part of this meal is preparing the mango salsa. So if you know you’re going to be pushed for time, make the salsa in advance. It’s still an impressive home-cooked plate, but it only takes six minutes! Firstly make the salsa by placing all the ingredients into a bowl Serves 2 and mix well together. Just before cooking the fish divide the salsa between two serving plates.
Simmer Chunky Autumn Veg Soup Getting in your five a day has never been easier, or more delicious with this fantastically rustic soup. A steaming thermos on a crisp country walk will keep everyone toasty warm inside. Take a 9 litre AGA stockpot and put in the leek, carrots, onion, celery, potato, courgette, tomatoes, water or stock and a piece of Parmesan rind, season. Bring to the boil on the boiling plate and then simmer for about 45 minutes on the simmering plate.
Casserole Thai Green Curry This curry is delicious as a vegetarian meal, however, if like a few people we know, dinner doesn’t count unless there’s meat involved, a diced chicken fillet can easily be added when frying the paste or add prawns towards the end of the cooking time. It’s a dish that works any time of year. Place the oil into a pan to heat on the boiling plate and fry off the curry paste for a minute, then add the coconut milk and stock, stir then add the red pepper and potato cubes.
Boil Quick Berry Jam A dollop of this delicious jam spread on a slice of AGA toast, scone or stirred into your porridge is guaranteed to brighten up a grey morning. Plus any pots you can bear to part with make perfect presents when dolled up with a pretty bit of fabric or ribbon. Place the fruits into the AGA maslin pan and squash with a potato masher, add the butter. Bring to the boil on the boiling plate.
Roast The Ultimate Roast Chicken A family favourite that’s truly succulent when cooked in a cast iron oven. There’s the added benefit of not needing any butter or oil, if you turn the bird over during cooking. However, if you prefer, smear a little butter over the breast or cover with 2 or 3 rashers of bacon. Take the chicken out of the refrigerator an hour before cooking. Remove any string, the legs should be free to allow heat to circulate properly.
Bake The Victoria Sponge Cake The Victoria Sandwich, named after and a favourite cake of Queen Victoria, represents classic English baking and in our opinion should only be made with butter for the best flavour. It can be surprisingly therapeutic to mix by hand once in a while, but do use an electric mixer if you wish. Place the butter and sugar into a large bowl and cream well together with a wooden or silicone spoon until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Steam AGA Tips from Richard Maggs the AGA cookery doctor Steamed Banana Pudding drizzled in Butterscotch Sauce The idea of steamed puddings may take you back to your school days and this one certainly tends to be a hit with the kids. Using very ripe blackened bananas gives it an amazing flavour and delicious with the butterscotch sauce. To make the butterscotch sauce, place the brown sugar, butter and cream into a saucepan and bring gently to the boil, stirring until thick and smooth.
Why it’s time for AGA TOTAL CONTROL total flexibility great food ambient warmth design icon economical to run
Copyright © AGA Rangemaster Limited 2011. Brand names, words and logos are registered trademarks of AGA Rangemaster Group, Juno Drive, Leamington Spa, Warwickshire, CV31 3RG. AGA is a trading name of AGA Rangemaster Limited. Registered in England & Wales under registered number 3872754. Registered office: Juno Drive, Leamington Spa, Warwickshire CV31 3RG England. Patent pending number 1008608.
