There are days when you want to surprise your household with something delicious. But at the same time, I want the dish to be not only tasty, but also healthy, and not cause any difficulties during preparation. In this case, the housewife can help out with julienne, and for its preparation there will be a special utensil - a cocotte maker. With its help, each portion of the dish is prepared and served in it. This can surprise not only family members, but also guests. You can find out what kind of cocotte makers there are and how to choose them correctly by reading our article.
A little bit of history
Such interesting dishes appeared in France more than 300 years ago. Translated, the word “kokot” means chicken. And this item appeared due to the fact that cooks wanted to preserve as many useful things as possible in vegetables during cooking.
The first cocotte maker was a ceramic saucepan into which cooks placed finely chopped vegetables with broth or sauce. This way the dish was prepared very quickly, while preserving the maximum of useful ingredients. Later, masters of their craft began experiments with other products. Here they began to bake meat, chicken, and mushrooms.
Although initially such dishes were not intended for serving dishes in portions, later their volume was reduced and dishes began to be served in small portions directly from the cocotte maker. Also, many people mistakenly assume that only julienne can be cooked in a cocotte maker. Yes, this is the main dish for which the cookware is intended, but you can also bake other food options in it. And some housewives even use such equipment for steaming dishes.
Modern products have a volume of about 100-200 ml, the cup diameter is about 7 cm, and the height varies between 4-5 cm. They also have a small handle to make it convenient to serve the dishes to the table. In cafes and restaurants, this handle is wrapped in a paper napkin, which is called a papillotka. This will prevent you from getting burned while eating. Since julienne is quite filling, this volume of product will be enough to relieve hunger in an adult.
What can you cook in a cocotte maker?
Cocotte makers are suitable for baking any food or preparing steamed portioned snacks. Finely chopped pieces of meat, poultry, and offal are most often used as ingredients, pouring them with a delicate sauce. Julienne can be prepared from mushrooms or seafood, as well as vegetables. Before storing, the products are fried.
A simple recipe for chicken julienne involves frying (5-7 minutes) chicken strips, onions and mushrooms. The prepared pieces are placed in layers in a cocotte maker, poured with cream and sprinkled with grated cheese. Bake until melted and browned.
It is convenient to prepare puddings and omelettes in molds. When making such dishes, it is better to use a double boiler or place cocotte makers in a water bath.
What types of cocotte makers are there?
Such dishes differ in volume and material of manufacture. In addition, certain models can come with or without covers. Everything will depend on what dish this product is intended for.
There are several materials from which cocotte makers are made, but the common feature of any product is the absence of a non-stick coating. There is no need for such a coating, since baking will require a minimum of time, since all products will initially be fried. During this time, nothing can burn or stick to the walls of the cup.
So, first of all, it’s worth considering ceramic options, because this material is considered a classic. Such dishes can be used in any oven, microwave oven and even in a wood-burning oven. Ceramic products, as a rule, do not have a lid, but despite this, the products will not burn or lose their juiciness. In addition, the dish will not cool for a long time due to the thick walls of the product. But such dishes require careful handling. It should not be placed in a preheated oven, as a sudden temperature change will lead to cracks on the walls of the dish.
Also, this version of cocotte makers can be divided into two types. Products glazed and not glazed. If the dishes do not have a glazed layer, then after firing they remain porous, which means that they can absorb excess moisture or, conversely, if there is not enough, they can release moisture from their walls. This option will absorb fats and odors, which reduces its hygiene and complicates maintenance. Cups covered with a layer of glaze will look more advantageous on the holiday table. Also, thanks to this layer, they will not absorb fat and odor, which is very convenient when washing dishes.
Ceramic cocotte makers can be sold either individually or as a set. Ceramic products go well with porcelain or earthenware dishes. Thanks to this, they will be an excellent decoration for the holiday table.
The next type is stainless steel products. This material for making jugs began to be used relatively recently. It is distinguished by its high strength and practicality. But such dishes are not suitable for use in microwave ovens. The main advantage of steel products is that they are not afraid of sudden temperature changes. Therefore, they can be placed in a very hot oven or oven. If any food sticks to the walls of the cookware during cooking, you can use any cleaning agent. This will not affect the quality of the cookware in the future. It is worth noting that steel products are not afraid of shocks or other mechanical impacts, and in addition they can be washed in the dishwasher.
Steel jugs will look great both on a festive table and are suitable for everyday use. Although they do not have additional decorative elements, this does not make them less stylish.
The cast iron option will be universal. Such products can be used not only in the oven or oven, but also directly on the stove itself in the form of a small frying pan. Items may have a non-stick coating, but this is not necessary as the cookware will naturally become non-stick after a few uses. But before the first use, such mini-frying pans should be well heated. To do this, the inner surface of the product is lubricated with vegetable oil and placed in the oven for a certain time. But cast iron cocotte makers also have several disadvantages. For example, heavy weight and lack of decorativeness. In addition, if you do not dry such a trick well, a rusty stain may form. Also, such hot products should not be filled with cold water, as this can lead to damage to the coating.
The next type is products made from silicon alloys, which are called silumin and glass-ceramic. Silumin models have aluminum additives; for this reason, such dishes cannot be used in a microwave oven. The second option is considered heat-resistant glass, which is durable and resistant to mechanical stress. They can be used in a microwave oven if there is a special marking.
If we talk about the volume of products, most models have a volume of 100 or 150 ml. In addition, there are small scam bottles with a volume of 50 ml. But in most cases these are one-time options. There are also roomy options, their volume reaches 250 ml.
How to choose a good cocotte maker
Here, as when choosing any other cookware, you must first of all pay attention to the material of manufacture. The practicality and durability of the product will depend on this. Ceramic options will always look good on the table, but they will require careful handling. If you need to purchase a cheater for more than one year, then you should pay attention to a product made of steel or cast iron. Although such models will not look so festive on the table, their practicality will cover this point.
The volume of dishes should also not be ignored. Since the dish will be served in portions, it is better not to take large-volume models. If you do not plan to serve a portioned dish to each family member, then you can take a couple of larger models. This will allow each family member to place the dish on a plate.
It wouldn't hurt to have a lid. This will allow you to cook a wider variety of dishes in such dishes, for example, omelettes, puddings, and various casseroles. But if the chosen model comes without a lid, you can make it yourself from foil.
Since different models of cheaters have different lengths and shapes of handles, you should also pay attention to this point. The ease of grip will depend on the shape and length of the handle. Utensils with small handles can easily fall out of your hands when carrying them.
Basic requirements for cocotte makers for preparing julienne
Kokotnitsa, like julienne, has French roots. However, this term does not only refer to portion molds. cocotte makers (from the word cocotte - chicken ) heat-resistant forms with a tight-fitting lid. This design ensured the cooking of meat, poultry and vegetables in their own juices without oil. Based on this utensil, cocotte makers for preparing julienne, familiar to the modern gourmet, emerged.
Julienne pans look like small frying pans with one handle or miniature ladles. The handle can be cast or firmly fixed. The length of the handles varies, but it should be long enough to comfortably hold the pan with your fingers. Sometimes the kit includes a lid, because cocotte makers are also used for other portioned dishes.
The main requirements for julienne molds:
- volume per serving – from 50 to 150, maximum up to 250 ml;
- heat resistance - can be placed in the oven or stove;
- resistance to burning;
- inertness to products;
- comfortable handle;
- stability - otherwise the dish will turn over during the meal;
- ease of care;
- decorativeness and durability of the external decorative coating.
When choosing a julienne, do not go for large volume. The optimal size is 100 ml. Julienne is a very filling dish; it is impossible to eat too much of it.
The best ceramic cocotte makers for julienne
Elan gallery 110770
This model is available in several colors: green, yellow, orange and red. Such bright colors will lift your spirits on a weekday or become a wonderful decoration for a holiday table.
“Elan gallery 110770” has thick walls, which will allow the dish to remain hot for a long time. There is a small rounded handle for easy carrying. This dish is suitable for baking meat and vegetable dishes, as well as for serving sauces or desserts. “Elan gallery 110770” heats up quickly, which will allow you to prepare the necessary dish in a short time.
The volume of “Elan gallery 110770” is 260 ml. The diameter of the cocotte maker is 10 cm, and the height is 6 cm. The weight of the product is 180 grams.
The average cost is 200 rubles.
Elan gallery 110770
Advantages:
- Design;
- Volume;
- Thick walls;
- Affordable price.
Flaws:
- Lack of cover.
Borisov ceramics No. 1 Rainbow
Such a small and bright cocotte maker will become an indispensable attribute during a lunch or dinner party. Although it comes in a bright red color, it will certainly complement any tableware. The neat miniature shape and small handle of the product will be convenient both when carrying and while eating. The manufacturer also thought about caring for the crook, for this he made a glossy coating. Thanks to this, washing dishes will not be difficult.
“Borisov Ceramics No. 1 Rainbow” will be a universal dishware. It can be used both in the oven and used as a mini frying pan on an electric stove. The bottom of the product is made in such a way that it will accumulate heat during the cooking process, which will allow you to avoid adding large amounts of oil or water to the food. This way you can prepare healthy food without any extra effort. Due to double firing, such a cocotte will manifest itself as a durable piece of utensils that will not lose its presentable appearance over time.
The volume of “Borisov Ceramics No. 1 Rainbow” is 180 ml. In this case, the height of the juggernaut is 5 cm, and the diameter is 12 cm.
The average cost is 250 rubles.
Cocotte maker Borisov ceramics No. 1 Rainbow
Advantages:
- Beautiful design;
- Optimal volume;
- Comfortable handle;
- Can be used as a frying pan;
- Glossy surface;
- Domestic manufacturer.
Flaws:
- Not detected.
Le Creuset 61901107640034
This ceramic jug is available in more than 10 color options. Unlike other models that only have one handle, this one has two. Thanks to this, the user will have more convenience when using such utensils.
“Le Creuset 61901107640034” resembles a small saucepan in its appearance. And for its manufacture, the manufacturer used ceramics of the highest quality. This material is non-porous, resistant to delamination and therefore will last in the kitchen for many years. There is a glaze coating on top, this will not allow the walls to be scratched, and will also create protection against the absorption of the smell or color of the products. The glaze will also protect the scammer from stains.
“Le Creuset 61901107640034” can be used not only for preparing julienne, you can also prepare bread, soup or rillette here. The set includes a lid, which will allow for more culinary experiments. The volume of “Le Creuset 61901107640034” is 250 ml and the diameter is 10 cm.
The average cost is 2300 rubles.
]Le Creuset 61901107640034
Advantages:
- Convenient shape;
- Large volume;
- Availability of a cover;
- Quality.
Flaws:
- High price.
Types and features
Sometimes its purpose is defined as follows: it is a thick-walled portion dish for preparing julienne and then serving the dish.
In general, this is true, but there are some nuances:
- This is not the only serving utensil of its kind. Unlike chillers (resembling a clam shell) for baking dishes and serving seafood, or ramekins - porcelain, ceramic and other materials cylindrical pots for desserts or other dishes, cocotte makers have a lid, one long handle or two classic ones, like pots.
- A julienne maker is not the only purpose of cocotte makers, which compete with the already listed types of portioned utensils. The lid gives an advantage and allows you to bake almost any food - from vegetables to meat and fish. An uncovered cocotte can easily be replaced by the same ramekins or ordinary disposable foil molds.
Separately, it is worth mentioning the role of the lid. Since in high-quality pans it fits tightly, the moisture released by the food during heating does not evaporate, but the excess comes out through a small hole. The dish turns out juicy and does not burn.
The best cast iron cocotte makers
Le Creuset 21001100000461
This model from the famous French brand “Le Creuset” is made of cast iron with high heat capacity. This allows the cocotte maker to warm up quickly, which reduces the cooking time of any dish. It is worth noting that all parts of the cookware, as well as the lid and handles, will have the same heating, this avoids additional mixing of products during the cooking process.
The inner and outer sides of “Le Creuset 21001100000461” are coated with enamel. It will prevent food acids from being absorbed into the product. Therefore, such a jug is also suitable for pickling foods or storing them raw. Le Creuset 21001100000461 can be washed either by hand or in a dishwasher, using only liquid detergent. To extend the life of your cookware, avoid sudden heating or cooling.
The volume of “Le Creuset 21001100000461” is 300 ml, while the height is 8 cm and the diameter is 10 cm. The cocotte maker can be used not only in the oven, but also on the stove or grill.
The average cost is 10,800 rubles.
Le Creuset 21001100000461
Advantages:
- Enameled coating;
- Easy care;
- Convenient shape;
- Fast heating.
Flaws:
- High price.
Lodge cocotte pan
American has long established itself in the market as a reliable manufacturer of tableware. This cocotte pan will be an excellent option for preparing julienne or other portioned dishes, as well as for frying nuts, seeds or cooking scrambled eggs.
“Lodge Cocotte Frying Pan” has a comfortable handle, as well as a recess for draining, which simplifies the process of use. All parts are made of high quality cast iron. During the cooking process, you can use metal accessories to stir food. Since the product does not have an enamel coating, it is not dishwasher safe. To create non-stick properties, the pan should be heated in the oven for one hour.
The average cost is 1000 rubles.
Lodge cocotte pan
Advantages:
- Convenient size;
- The presence of a recess for draining;
- Affordable price.
Flaws:
- Not detected.
A simple recipe for chicken julienne without mushrooms
Ingredients needed for 4 servings:
- 1 onion;
- 300 g chicken fillet;
- 150 grams of hard cheese;
- 2 pinches of salt;
- 20 ml cream.
Preparation:
- Cut the chicken fillet and onion into strips.
- Fry separately for 5 - 6 minutes.
- The components are laid out in layers and salted.
- Add cream.
- Grate the cheese and sprinkle on top.
- Turn on the oven at 180 degrees for 10 - 20 minutes until golden brown.
The best julienne cocotte makers made of stainless steel
Amet 1s336
This model from a domestic manufacturer will become a reliable kitchen assistant for any housewife. “Amet 1s336” is distinguished by its ease of maintenance, practicality and durability.
This model has low thermal conductivity, which will allow the product to heat up quickly and maintain the temperature of the cooked product for a long time. “Amet 1s336” has a mirror polish, this will prevent food from sticking during the cooking process, and will also create a presentable appearance when serving.
The volume of “Amet 1s336” is 100 ml. Dishwasher safe. It is not recommended to use metal sponges for cleaning, as well as products containing chlorine.
The average cost is 250 rubles.
Amet 1s336
Advantages:
- Comfortable handle;
- Keeps warm for a long time;
- Fast heating;
- Affordable price.
Flaws:
- Not found.
Regent inox 93-100
This model from an Italian manufacturer is characterized by high strength, durability and low weight, which makes the product convenient to use. The small volume of Regent inox 93-100 allows you to serve the dish individually. And to make it convenient for the housewife to remove the cocotte maker from the oven, the manufacturer installed a long handle.
High quality stainless steel was used to manufacture Regent inox 93-100. The model also has a mirror polish, which will prevent food from sticking to the wall or bottom of the dish. The volume of “Regent inox 93-100” is 100 ml.
The average cost is 270 rubles.
Regent inox 93-100
Advantages:
- Long handle;
- Modern design;
- Optimal volume;
- Workmanship;
- Affordable price.
Flaws:
- Not detected.
Fissman 5279
This is not the first year that it has been pleasing housewives with high-quality dishes at an affordable price. So the new model of the cocotte maker did not stand aside. For its manufacture, 18/10 steel is used. Thanks to this, the product will be durable, strong, and will not absorb the odors of food and spices. Also, this material will not deform when hit or dropped.
"Fissman 5279" has a volume of 100 ml, which will be optimal when serving a la carte dish. The product can be used both in the oven and on the stove. This cheater does not require special care; it can be washed in the dishwasher.
The average cost is 600 rubles.
Fissman 5279
Advantages:
- Convenient handle shape;
- Possibility of hanging storage;
- Mirror polishing;
- Verified manufacturer.
Flaws:
- Not detected.
What is a chill mold
Chillers A chiller is a small product, similar in shape to the ribbed shell of a mollusk. This dish also comes from France and literally translates as “shell”. What is the difference between a cocotte maker and a chill maker? First of all, form and purpose. To the question “what is the chiller intended for,” the chefs answer unequivocally: for hot dishes and snacks, mostly fish and seafood.
There are products with and without stands. They are often used at buffets and social events. Fish dishes are baked and served in metal chillers. Some types of these dishes are not intended for baking, for example, those made of fine porcelain or silver. Caviar or seafood is served in such chillers.
Silver chill mold
The history of the cocotte maker. Variants of appearance of the word “kokotnitsa”
What is a cocotte? It won’t take long to figure it out, since the word itself translated from French means “chicken.” Consequently, the kitchen container came to us from France.
The container is a small structure for preparing various hot dishes. In foreign countries, julienne is prepared in such products, always with chicken. After all, the name of the kitchen utensil speaks for itself.
The container is a small structure for preparing various hot dishes.
Russian-speaking buyers, getting acquainted with this kind of dishes, often ask - what is this, a cocotte maker? And most importantly - how to use it? There is nothing complicated in operation, because the basis for the use and functionality of the container is the recipe for the dish. Products prepared in such a container must be crushed according to a special principle.
