Camping is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy nature and get away from it all. A good camping oven can help you prepare delicious meals on the go. But what should you do if the food keeps burning in the camping oven? Don't worry - in this blog post I'll explain the most common reasons for burnt food and give you practical tips on how to avoid the problem.
The most common causes of burnt food in the camping oven
1. Irregular heat distribution
Camping ovens are more compact than conventional ovens and are mostly used on the go - be it in a motorhome, in the awning or in the open air. This can result in the heat source beneath the oven being exposed to drafts or air currents, resulting in uneven heat distribution.
Tip:
- Use a windbreak, for example around the gas stove when baking outdoors.
- Close windows or doors in the RV to prevent drafts.
- Rotate the oven regularly so that the heat is distributed more evenly.
- Bake on the lowest heat. If your food still burns, the heat source is probably too strong. A simmer plate (e.g. from Truka) can help here as it distributes the heat evenly. A simmer plate is also suitable for other pots and pans.
Without an accurate temperature gauge, it can be difficult to find the right heat setting. Often the oven is set too hot, which results in the food burning on the outside while the inside is not yet cooked through.
Tip:
- Most dishes succeed at the lowest heat (unless the recipe says otherwise). Mobile ovens usually work optimally at low heat.
- An oven thermometer can help you accurately measure the temperature inside the lid. This allows you to better control the heat and achieve perfect baking results.
3. Unsuitable cooking utensils
Most camp oven recipes are designed specifically for aluminum baking pans. Using steel baking pans instead may produce different results because steel absorbs and releases heat differently.
Tip:
Use aluminum baking pans, whether coated or uncoated. Aluminum conducts heat more evenly and ensures better baking results.
4. Not stirring or turning enough
Dishes that take longer to cook, such as casseroles or roasts, should be checked regularly. Without occasional stirring or turning, there is a risk that the bottom layers will burn.
Tip:
Schedule regular checks and stir or turn food when necessary. This not only prevents burning, but also ensures even cooking and better taste.
5. Incorrect placement in the oven
The placement of the baked goods in the oven is crucial for a good result. A baking rack can be very helpful for certain preparations.
Tip:
Place baked rolls and muffins on a baking rack. This allows the hot air to circulate better and your baked goods are cooked more evenly.
6. Too little attention
During a camping holiday, you often use the oven while you enjoy time with friends or explore the surrounding area. It can happen that the food is left unattended and burns.
Tip:
Use a timer or egg timer to keep track of cooking time. This will ensure that the food is removed from the heat in a timely manner.
How to do it better: New tips and tricks
To avoid burnt food in the camping oven, there are some helpful tips: Avoid drafts by closing windows or doors in the motorhome or setting up a windbreak outside. Turning the oven regularly and using a simmering plate ensures even heat distribution. Most dishes succeed at the lowest heat, although an oven thermometer makes checking easier. Aluminum baking tins conduct heat optimally and ensure better results. For longer cooking times, regular stirring or turning helps to ensure even cooking. Thoughtful placement, such as a baking rack, improves air circulation. Timers or egg timers help you keep an eye on the cooking time. With these tricks you can make meals in the camping oven much better.
With the right measures and a little attention, cooking in the camping oven becomes child's play. Whether it's through choosing the right utensils, setting the right heat or simple tricks like turning and stirring regularly - small adjustments make a big difference. So nothing stands in the way of delicious and perfectly cooked meals, even on the go. Have fun camping and enjoy your meal!
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