As temperatures are lower in winter, warming the food is necessary when preparing a meal for family gathering, outdoor events, or just leisurely dinners. Not only does it make the taste of food better, but it also averts the growth of various harmful bacteria inside it. Here are 5 practical tips to keep your food hot and enjoyable during the colder months.
Make use of insulated containers
Investing in insulated containers is among the effective ways of keeping the food hot for extended periods. Thermal containers are those that are made to minimize heat loss, so the food maintains its temperature. Ideal for soups and stews, rice dishes, stainless steel thermos flasks and insulated casserole dishes can keep food hot for several hours without an external source of heat being added. Pre-warm the container by filling it with hot water and letting it sit for a few minutes before adding your hot food. This maintains heat longer.
Use slow cookers and chafing dishes
Slow cookers and chafing dishes are great for keeping food warm in parties or buffet-style. Slow cookers have a ‘keep warm’ setting that keeps your food at a safe serving temperature but does not overcook it. Chafers, which can be used at any catered event, contain small burners or gel fuel to keep dishes warm and are versatile for most dishes. Use these appliances to serve hot curries, pasta, or casseroles to your guests. The food stays perfectly at an ideal temperature throughout the meal.
Cover the food tightly with foil
Aluminum foil is a simple yet effective tool for retaining heat. Covering dishes tightly with foil helps trap heat and moisture, keeping your food hot for longer. This method works well for foods like baked pasta, roasted vegetables, and meats. For added heat retention, wrap the foil-covered dish in a towel or place it inside an insulated bag. Ensure that the food is covered immediately after cooking to prevent heat from escaping.
Serve food from warmed dishes
The difference preheated dishes can make to maintaining food temperature is fairly extreme. Before serving, put your plates or serving dishes in a warm oven at a low heat of about 65 degrees C for a few minutes. Warm dishes will not lose their heat as quickly and will keep food warm longer. Be careful when removing dishes from the oven as they may be very hot, and again use oven mitts to protect yourself from burns.
Keep it in an oven at low heat
For foods that is to be presented shortly thereafter. The food can be kept in an oven set to a low heat, around 90 degrees C, to retain warmth. Dishes that tend to cool relatively soon will benefit from this method. Examples are baked goods, casseroles, and the like. Make sure to cover food while it's baking in the oven so it doesn't dry out with foil or a lid. Read More
This article is referenced from https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/
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