There is a consensus throughout the world that one of the best things to come out of Italy is pizza. With pizza came wood-fired ovens that make cooking a whole new experience. But, despite the clear cut definition of its use, there is more range to what you can cook in a wood-fired pizza oven. After all, this device can be surprisingly versatile in the right hands and with the proper techniques.
Wood-fired pizza ovens are the most traditional type of pizza oven. Wood-fired ovens have been around for centuries, and they are still the most popular way of cooking pizza. They are built with bricks and stones, using wood as their primary fuel source. These ovens have an opening on the side that allows the baker to load the pizza dough onto a paddle. The cook then pushes the paddle into the oven, where the dough slides off into the desired position.
If you are looking for an iconic (stand-out) object to put in your outdoor space, a pizza oven is a great choice. A pizza oven not only creates the perfect ambience for outdoor areas but also serves as a source of different types of dishes that suit every taste bud. When it comes to uses inside the home, a pizza oven doesn’t fall short.
1.Making wood-fired pizza
Starting with the basics, you can use your oven to make precisely what the name implies; pizzas. The right range makes all the difference. And the results are indisputable. Many people don’t realise that because pizza ovens are effective at making pizzas taste great. However, to prove this point, simply consider that some of the best pizza restaurants around still rely on a wood-fired oven to make their food. Moreover, there is a reason these appliances have been in use since ancient Roman times. So now that pizza ovens are more prevalent in private homes, there is an opportunity for you to enjoy scrumptious offerings from the comfort of your home.
2.Roasting vegetables
Now venture away from the basics and begin diving into the possibilities. Cooking vegetables in a pizza oven can seem like an absurd idea, but it’s worth a try. All you have to do is adjust the cooking methods. For a bit of practice, chop up vegetables like corn on the cob, whole bell peppers and jacket potatoes before putting them on a tray. Next, coat them with olive oil and sprinkle on any spices of your choice and cook them in the oven. As soon as they are ready, you can treat your tastebuds to an experience that will keep you going back for more.
3.Baking bread
One of the other original uses for pizza ovens was in bread production. That is not a very big leap away since pizza crust is, at its core, a type of bread dough.
Many people enjoy a freshly baked loaf of bread with the right accompaniment. In that case, it’s surprisingly easy to make it in a pizza oven. First, prepare the dough, then light and preheat your oven for about two hours before you start to bake. Leave the dough in the oven for 10-15 minutes, at which point you’ll have a delicious, chewy loaf of bread.
4.Cooking seafood and other meat.
Although it might seem strange to cook seafood in a pizza oven, the result is surprisingly delicious. To cook single servings of fish, you can just lay them on baking sheets and then place them into the oven. Next, lay the fish on a tray or wire rack, add spices and herbs and let it cook. You can also prepare clams, prawns and other seafood in a similar fashion.
On the other hand, a steak is equally easy to prepare. Simply prepare and season the meat as usual before placing the meat on a cooking tray. Then, when you place the food in the oven, all that is left is to allow it to cook while periodically checking that it is done to your desired levels.
5.Potatoes
Baked potatoes are a great place to start when looking for new recipes to try out in your oven. They’re easy to prepare, don’t break easily and have a unique taste. All you need is kindling and coal in your pizza oven, some space to cook, and you can be cooking in no time! The best way to ensure proper cooking is by arranging the potatoes near the fire. Additionally, one trick is to wrap them in aluminium foil for better heat distribution and even cooking.
Now that you are aware of how many different ways you can use a pizza oven beyond making pizzas, it is time to put on your chef’s cap and step beyond your culinary horizons. Just remember not to limit your menu to only pizzas. Being adventurous is half the fun!
