Reheating a portion of defrosted cottage pie - how to
Discussion
Right people of PH, new to this single living thing and reheating food that I have portioned up and frozen.
Obviously defrosting chilli, the Bol portion of spag Bol, curry etc and reheating it in a saucepan is simple.
But what is the best way to reheat something you can't stir, like cottage pie, I have tried microwaving but this tends to dry it out, so I was thinking oven, but without having to experiment, I was wondering if anyone had a rough elec fan oven temp and duration to reheat in the oven.
Plus would it be straight in to a roasting tray and cook covered, uncovered or using some kind of Bain Marie.
Thanks in advance PH's
Obviously defrosting chilli, the Bol portion of spag Bol, curry etc and reheating it in a saucepan is simple.
But what is the best way to reheat something you can't stir, like cottage pie, I have tried microwaving but this tends to dry it out, so I was thinking oven, but without having to experiment, I was wondering if anyone had a rough elec fan oven temp and duration to reheat in the oven.
Plus would it be straight in to a roasting tray and cook covered, uncovered or using some kind of Bain Marie.
Thanks in advance PH's
Greshamst said:
Are you f-ing kidding me?
No why, joined the RAF at 16 so didn't have access to a kitchen - went to the mess for dinner. Got married in 2006 so just made enough dinner for two people, had a child in 2010 so when he went on solids cooked enough for three people, ex cheated on me last year got divorced now live alone, making multiple portions and then freezing the extra seems to be the most economical way to eat - just wanted to know the best way to reheat cottage pie so it wasn't dry.
Sorry if that upsets you, who ever you are, but really thanks for your positive support with this matter!!!
garyhun said:
I just put mine in a cooking pot without the cover on. Around 160-180 seems about right.
Edit to say: I always defrost overnight in the fridge first.
Thank you for your useful advice! Edit to say: I always defrost overnight in the fridge first.
Edited by garyhun on Wednesday 6th April 17:24
Yeah I do the defrosting for 24 hours in the fridge thing first as well.
How long would you go for at that temp? Plus guess I need to go and purchase some more kitchen equipment.
Main thing to remember about microwaves is that they tend to be a bit patchy in terms of where they heat food, hence some have turntables.
AND... most importantly when you are reheating food, you only need to do that, reheat. Not cook again. So microwave on a medium setting stopping and moving the food around every minute or so until its evenly heated to eating temperature (80-85 degrees). Any more and you will start to recook and dry the food out.
As already said make sure its thoroughly defrosted in the fridge before reheating and all will be fine. You can always whack it in a hot oven for a few minutes to crisp things up or if you have a combi mic. finish with the grill.
MWs are not the satanic boxes most chefs purport them to be. Used correctly they are a great kitchen tool.
AND... most importantly when you are reheating food, you only need to do that, reheat. Not cook again. So microwave on a medium setting stopping and moving the food around every minute or so until its evenly heated to eating temperature (80-85 degrees). Any more and you will start to recook and dry the food out.
As already said make sure its thoroughly defrosted in the fridge before reheating and all will be fine. You can always whack it in a hot oven for a few minutes to crisp things up or if you have a combi mic. finish with the grill.
MWs are not the satanic boxes most chefs purport them to be. Used correctly they are a great kitchen tool.
21TonyK said:
Main thing to remember about microwaves is that they tend to be a bit patchy in terms of where they heat food, hence some have turntables.
AND... most importantly when you are reheating food, you only need to do that, reheat. Not cook again. So microwave on a medium setting stopping and moving the food around every minute or so until its evenly heated to eating temperature (80-85 degrees). Any more and you will start to recook and dry the food out.
As already said make sure its thoroughly defrosted in the fridge before reheating and all will be fine. You can always whack it in a hot oven for a few minutes to crisp things up or if you have a combi mic. finish with the grill.
MWs are not the satanic boxes most chefs purport them to be. Used correctly they are a great kitchen tool.
Tony forgot to mention that after you've microwaved it, and before you stick it under the grill, you need to cover it with grated cheese. AND... most importantly when you are reheating food, you only need to do that, reheat. Not cook again. So microwave on a medium setting stopping and moving the food around every minute or so until its evenly heated to eating temperature (80-85 degrees). Any more and you will start to recook and dry the food out.
As already said make sure its thoroughly defrosted in the fridge before reheating and all will be fine. You can always whack it in a hot oven for a few minutes to crisp things up or if you have a combi mic. finish with the grill.
MWs are not the satanic boxes most chefs purport them to be. Used correctly they are a great kitchen tool.
It really depends on how big the portion sizes are, you should be fine cooking things like cottage pie from frozen - just make sure it's piping hot in the middle.
Covering it with foil in the oven can create a steam style effect, eliminating the chance of overcooking and drying the food out.
Covering it with foil in the oven can create a steam style effect, eliminating the chance of overcooking and drying the food out.
55palfers said:
Part of the joy of good cottage pie is the crispy top from it being in the oven.
Maybe add some extra grated cheese, a little water in the gravy zone and put it in a 160 oven for 20/30 minutes or so?
But then it wouldn't be a 'Cottage Pie', but a 'Cumberland Pie', I think.... Maybe add some extra grated cheese, a little water in the gravy zone and put it in a 160 oven for 20/30 minutes or so?
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