To successfully cook a stew, a broth, or any other slow cooking in a cauldron, it's not enough to make flames: you have to know how to control your fire.
Here is the method I recommend for gentle cooking without burning your food.
1. Start the fire properly
A good fire starts with good lighting.
- Use ferrocerium for the spark: reliable, resistant, it works everywhere, even when wet
- Start with tow and dry kindling, such as twigs, bark or shavings.
- Gradually increase the size: small pieces of wood → thin branches → small logs
The goal is not to make a huge fire, but to build a structure that draws.
2. Create a safe and efficient home
Two simple options depending on your environment:
- Surround the fire with a large circle of stones.
- Clear the surrounding area carefully: no dry vegetation, no low branches. Safety first!
A well-installed fireplace means a better-controlled fire.
3. Build a bed of embers, then move the fire
The heart of this method: the bed of embers.
1. Let your fire build until you have a good pile of red, lasting embers.
2. Then push the active fire towards the edge of the hearth.
3. In the center, leave only the embers.
This is where you will place your cauldron, hanging or standing.
So, the fire burning on the periphery serves to supply the center with embers according to your needs.
4. Gentle heat, no flames
❌ What not to do:
Never place your pot directly in the flames.
→ The temperature is far too high for slow cooking.
→ You risk burning the food on the bottom, making it stick, and ruining the flavor of the dish.
(Note: for bread it's different, you need to obtain a high temperature, like in an oven.)
✅ What you need:
A well-distributed bed of embers under the cauldron
An active hearth on the outskirts to provide new embers
Constant control: add or remove embers as needed
Result : slow cooking, which develops all the flavors.
All the necessary equipment is available on the site to get you started now!
