TAKING UP SMOKING
Q I am looking for an inexpensive device to try some ‘smoking’ of
meats and fish before going for the ‘real’ thing. Can you suggest any?
Ernest
Lane Cove
New South Wales
A I've tried all sorts of devices over the years - from a home made pit for
slow smoking to metho-powered fish smokers and even a purpose-built
US made smoker.
But the one I keep coming back to most often is my battered old Weber
kettle. It's just so versatile. If I use a normal fire in it for indirect
roasting of chickens or beef rib roasts, I can still add smoke flavour by
adding a few handfuls of soaked wood chips or chunks.
Or, if I have more time available, I make a small fire out of charcoal and
wood coals and cook large chunks of beef chuck or pork shoulders at low
temperatures for eight hours or more until they reach the stage of fall
apart tender (you have to use a charcoal chimney to replenish the coals at
regular intervals).
Basic Weber kettles cost around $250 new (you'll need the 57 cm size) and
about $80 on the secondhand market. I'd recommend a 'pre-loved' unit to
experiment with until you work out your preferences in terms of smoking.
BBQ Blue