Emeril Cast Iron Dutch Oven Food

GARLIC-STUDDED POT ROAST

Steps:

• Using the tip of a sharp paring knife, make 20 to 24 evenly spaced small slits about 1 1/2-inches deep all over the pot roast. Using your fingers, insert the garlic cloves as deep into the meat as possible. Season the roast evenly on all sides with the salt and pepper.
• Heat a Dutch oven over high heat. Add the oil and, when very hot, use the meat fork to add the roast. Sear on all sides until very well browned, about 4 to 6 minutes per side. Don't be afraid to let the roast get very brown -- this is where a lot of the flavor comes from. When the roast is evenly browned on all sides, add the water and stir to loosen the browned bits on the bottom of the pan. Cover the Dutch oven, reduce the heat to low/medium-low and cook the roast until it is very tender, about 3 hours, turning two or three times during the entire cooking time. Check occasionally to make sure that you always have 1-inch or so of liquid on the bottom of the pan. If necessary, add more water.
• When the roast is very tender, transfer to a serving platter and slice or pull meat apart into serving pieces. Reduce the pan juices slightly, if desired, and serve drizzled over the top of the roast. Garnish with fresh thyme and parsley.
• Preheat oven to 450 degrees F.
• Place all vegetables except the beets in a roasting pan. Place beets in a separate roasting pan. Drizzle all vegetables with extra-virgin olive oil, season with salt and pepper and toss to coat.
• Place in oven and roast for about 30 to 40 minutes, or until vegetables are tender and carmelized.

FRIED CHICKEN WINGS WITH EMERIL'S ESSENCE

Steps:

• Cut the chicken wings at the joints, and set the wing tips aside for another purpose. In a large bowl, combine the buttermilk, hot sauce, 1/4 cup Essence and 3 teaspoons salt. Whisk to combine, add the chicken, and toss to coat thoroughly. Cover the bowl, transfer to the refrigerator, and marinate for at least 1 hour, and up to 4 hours before proceeding.
• Preheat a large cast iron Dutch oven with 1 quart of peanut oil to 360 degrees F. Place the flour in a large resealable plastic food storage bag and season with 1/4 cup of the Essence and remaining salt. Add 8 pieces of chicken at a time to the seasoned flour and shake to evenly coat. Remove from the bag and place on a wire rack set over a sheet pan. Continue to coat the wings and allow them to sit for 10 to 15 minutes before proceeding.
• Fry the chicken in batches, about 10 to 12 pieces at a time. When you add the chicken to the hot oil, the temperature will drop drastically. Raise the heat to high once the chicken is in the pot. The temperature should level off at around 300 degrees F. Fry the chicken until golden brown and the meat is cooked all the way through, about 7 to 8 minutes. Be sure to return the oil to 360 to 370 degrees F before frying another batch of chicken. Continue this process until all of the chicken is fried. Season the fried chicken with the remaining tablespoon of Essence. Serve hot. (The chicken can be kept in a preheated 200 degree F oven once fried to keep warm while you fry the remainder of the chicken.)
• Combine all ingredients thoroughly.
• Recipe from "New New Orleans Cooking", by Emeril Lagasse and Jessie Tirsch, published by William and Morrow, 1993.

ONION AND PEPPER SMOTHERED ROUND STEAK

Steps:

• Combine the meat with the Essence and flour in a mixing bowl and toss to combine.
• Heat the oil in a large cast iron Dutch oven or high-sided skillet over medium-high heat and brown the meat, in batches, until browned on all sides, 4 to 5 minutes. Add 2 cups of the chicken broth and stir, scraping the bottom and sides of the pan to loosen any browned particles. Add the onions, bell peppers, salt, cayenne, and black pepper. Cook, stirring frequently, for 6 to 8 minutes, or until the vegetables are wilted. Reduce the heat to medium. Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, for 15 minutes. Add the remaining cup of broth and continue to cook, uncovered, for about 1 hour longer, or until the meat is very tender and the gravy is thickened and flavorful. Add the parsley and serve immediately over white rice, if using.
• Combine all ingredients thoroughly.
• Recipe from "New New Orleans Cooking", by Emeril Lagasse and Jessie Tirsch
• Published by William Morrow, 1993.