A cartouche is just a round piece of baking paper (parchment paper) that sits on top of some cooking food. It helps everything cook evenly and stops the top from drying out. It’s a useful thing to know how to make, and it’s used in recipes from stews (like these Persian Lamb Shanks) to Pommes Anna (Crispy French potato bake). Think of it as a DIY baking paper lid!
How to make a Cartouche
You just need baking paper (parchment paper) and scissors.
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Cut a square piece of baking paper (parchment paper) just big enough to cover your cast-iron pan, pot, or whatever you are covering. Then fold it in half on the diagonal.
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Fold it in half again.
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Fold it in half one more time.
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And fold it in half one last time, you now have a little paper wedge.
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Hold the pointy end in the centre of the pan or pot and check the length, the long side should reach the edge (that’s your radius).
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Fold the end part where you’re going to cut, so you get a clean line.
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Cut it to size.
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Unfold it and place it on whatever food you are cooking (potatoes shown above, for Pommes Anna). Voilà , your cartouche is ready! Perfect protection for even cooking.
Hope you found this useful! – JB
