A braising pan is a specialized cooking vessel. It cooks food that youy prepare first on the stove top and then slow cook in the oven. Examples of food that you can cook in a braising pan are coq au vin, stews, and braised beef and vegetables.
Braising
Braising is a two-part process. First, brown the food, which is usually meat but sometimes vegetables, in a little bit of oil on the stove top. Second, add a small amount of liquid--water, wine, stock or juice--to the food. The liquid level should be high enough to create a moist environment but not so high that it covers the food. Reduce the heat, cover the pot and slow cook the food either on the stove top or in a slow oven. Braising is well suited to cooking large or tough cuts of meat. It produces a flavorful sauce.
Specialized Braising Pans
Braising pans are perfectly suited to braising. They have a sturdy body and a lid that is often somewhat domed. They have a solid base that conducts heat evenly when the pan is heated on a burner. They have a tight lid, which keeps the moisture from the cooking liquid trapped inside, so it can steam the food during slow cooking. They have heat resistant handles that fit well into an oven. Many braising pans are also attractive enough to be used as serving dishes, so the braised food can go directly from oven to table.
Commercial Braisers
Commercial braising pans are often as large as 40 gallons. They are free-standing and have their own heat source, which can be either gas or electric. They have a spring assist to make lifting the heavy cover easier. Some tilt to expedite food removal. Fundamentally, however, these large commercial braising pans work just like their home counterparts. They brown food over high heat and then steam the food over low, moist heat.
Braising Pan Substitutes
You don't need a specialized braising pan to braise food. A heavy casserole will work if you can use it on the stove top. A high-sided frying pan will work if it has a tight lid and an ovenproof handle. Your paella pan is ideal if you can find a tight lid that will fit it. Even a roaster will do it if has a lid. In short, all you need is something that is ovenproof, has a tight lid, can be used on the stove and is large enough to accommodate the food you wish to braise.
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