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.
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.
Fold it in half again.
Fold it in half one more time.
And fold it in half one last time, you now have a little paper wedge.
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).
Fold the end part where you’re going to cut, so you get a clean line.
Cut it to size.
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
Thank you for such an easy way to create a near perfect round cartouche shape in parchment paper! Useful for so many dishes. And thank you for what looks like a delicious potato dish. Can we dust the top with parmesan, or would it nix the flavors?
Hi Patricia, you are welcome! And thank you for your kind words. For the parmesan, that could be a great addition, maybe add it towards this end so it doesn’t burn.
Hi JB. Thank you so much for this explanation. I had no idea what a ‘cartouche’ was or how to make one. Now I know thanks to you. You are not only a Michelin chef but une professeur de cuisine. TY
Thank you Edie for this comment! yes, it’s all about education 🙂
I have to tell you this that I don’t think I’m the only one getting an education from you. I noticed that after you included your ‘lesson’ on cartouches, I saw a couple of popular chefs include it in their cooking show! Might have been coincidence but I’m thinking they might have been watching your blog too. LOL Thanks again for all you and Nagi do. XOXO to Dozer.