Plancha

A plancha (Spanish plancha — “plate, sheet”) is a smooth solid metal cooking surface, heated to a high temperature, on which food is quickly seared. Native to Spain, it has become a popular tool of both street food and haute cuisine around the world.

Unlike a barred grill, the plancha has a solid even surface (usually of steel, cast iron, or chromed metal) that provides an intense, even contact heat. The product lies on it over its whole area, instantly forming an appetising golden crust thanks to the Maillard reaction, while inside it stays succulent. The main advantages are the very high temperature, precise control of the heat, and the fact that small products (prawns, vegetables, slices of fish) do not fall through bars. On the plancha seafood, vegetables, steaks, and sausages are cooked wonderfully, and the solid surface allows one to work with juices and sauces right on the metal. A minimum of oil and quick cooking preserve the natural flavour and goodness of the products. It is a favourite tool for spectacular cooking before the guests' eyes.