38 electrolux
Condensation and Steam
The oven is supplied with an exclusive
system which produces a natural circulation
of air and the constant recycling of steam.
This system makes it possible to cook in
a steamy environment and keep the
dishes soft inside and crusty outside.
Moreover, the cooking time and energy
consumption are reduced to a minimum.
During cooking steam may be produced
which can be released when opening the
oven door. This is absolutely normal.
However, always stand back from
the oven when opening the oven
door during cooking or at the
end of it to allow any build up of
steam or heat to release.
When food is heated, it produces
steam in the same way as a boiling
kettle does. When steam comes in
contact of the oven door glass, it will
condense and produce water
droplets.
To reduce condensation, ensure the
oven is well heated before placing
food in the oven cavity. A short oven
pre-heating (about 10 minutes) will
then be necessary before any
cooking. We recommend you to
wipe away condensation after each
use of the appliance.
Using the oven
For the cooking of cakes
Pre-heat the oven, unless indicated
differently, for at least 10 minutes before use.
Do not open the oven door when cooking
dishes which must raise (e.g. raised pastries
and soufflés); the jet of cold air would block
the raising process. To check if cakes are
cooked, insert a toothpick into the mixture;
if it comes out clean the cake is ready. Wait
until at least 3/4 of the cooking time has
passed before doing this check.
As a general rule remember that:
a dish which is well-cooked on the
outside but not sufficiently cooked inside
would have required a lower temperature
and longer cooking time. On the contrary, a
“dry” texture would have required a shorter
time and higher cooking temperature.
For the cooking of meat
Meat to be cooked in the oven should
weigh at least 1 kilo to avoid its becoming
too dry. If you want roasts with a good
colour, use very little oil. If the piece is lean,
use oil or butter or a little of both. Butter or
oil are on the other hand unnecessary if the
piece has a strip of fat. If the piece has a strip
of fat on one side only, put it in the oven with
this side upwards; when melting the fat will
grease the lower side sufficiently.
Red meat should be removed from the
fridge one hour before cooking otherwise the
sudden change of tempe- rature could
cause it to become tough. A roast,
especially if of red meat, must not be salted
at the beginning of cooking as salt causes
juices and blood to seep out of the meat,
thus preventing the formation of a well-
browned crust.
It is advisable to salt the outside of the
meat after just over half the cooking time.
Place the roast in the oven in a dish
having a low rim; a deep dish shields heat.
Meat can be placed on an ovenproof
dish or directly on the grill, under which the
dripping pan will be inserted to collect juice.
Ingredients for gravy should only be put in the
dish immediately if cooking time is brief,
otherwise they should be added during the
last half hour.
Begin cooking rare meat at a high
temperature, reducing the temperature to
finish cooking the inside.
The cooking temperature for white meat
can be moderate throughout.
The degree of cooking can be checked
by pressing the meat with a fork; if it does