RATIONAL iVario Cooking Centre

Mastering Menu Diversity with the iVario Pro

February 2026

In professional kitchens, being able to cook a variety of dishes is essential for keeping menus fresh and exciting. The iVario Pro helps chefs explore a wide range of cooking techniques and cuisines efficiently. Whether it’s delicate Japanese dishes or hearty Indian stews, it delivers consistent results every time, making it a true game-changer for any commercial kitchen. 

Here are some examples of menu development with the iVario. 

Japanese Precision: Low-Temperature Cooking 

Why it works: Gentle, precise heat keeps proteins tender and desserts delicate. 

What you can do: 

  • Teriyaki Salmon – salmon glazed with a sweet and savoury Japanese sauce
  • Tamago sushi – Japanese omelette served on sushi rice
  • Custards and mousses – delicate desserts that need gentle cooking 

Pro tip: Use the iVario’s low temperature setting to achieve exact textures and flavours without constant monitoring. 

French Elegance: Sous-Vide 

Why it works: Precise temperature control locks in moisture and flavour. 

What you can do: 

  • Juicy steaks – cooked perfectly every time
  • Salmon fillets – tender and flavourful
  • Coq au Vin – classic French chicken dish braised in wine with mushrooms and bacon
  • Beef Bourguignon – traditional French beef stew braised in red wine with vegetables 

Pro tip: Sous-vide ensures perfect doneness every time, ideal for high-volume kitchens aiming for French finesse. 

 

Italian Mastery: Boiling 

Why it works: Consistent heat makes pasta, grains, and vegetables perfectly cooked. 

What you can do: 

  • Risottos – creamy Italian rice dishes cooked slowly with stock
  • Spaghetti Carbonara – Italian pasta with eggs, cheese, pancetta, and pepper
  • Vegetable broths – clear or hearty broths with vegetables 

Pro tip: Boil water and pasta simultaneously for efficiency, then use the iVario’s precise timing to maintain al dente (firm-to-the-bite) perfection. 

Indian Flavours: Pressure Cooking 

Why it works: Cuts cooking times while preserving rich spices and textures. 

What you can do: 

  • Biryani – spiced Indian rice dish with meat or vegetables
  • Dal Makhani – creamy Indian lentil dish cooked with butter and cream
  • Braised meats and stews 

Pro tip: Use pressure cooking for flavourful, slow-cooked textures in a fraction of the time. 

Brazilian BBQ: Frying 

Why it works: Precise temperature control delivers golden, crispy results. 

What you can do: 

  • Picanha – a popular Brazilian cut of grilled beef
  • Coxinha – Brazilian fried snack filled with chicken
  • French fries and tempura – Japanese-style battered and deep-fried vegetables or seafood 

Pro tip: Maintain consistent oil temperature to avoid soggy or overcooked dishes — iVario does the hard work for you. 

Chinese Wok Mastery: Deep-Frying 

 

Why it works: Crispy, succulent results every time, ideal for Asian cuisine. 

What you can do: 

  • Peking Duck – crispy roasted Chinese duck served with pancakes
  • Orange Chicken – fried chicken in sweet, orange-flavoured sauce
  • Spring Rolls 

Pro tip: Use the iVario’s deep-frying setting for even heat distribution and perfect crunch, even during busy service. 

The iVario Pro isn’t just a piece of equipment, it’s a partner in creating diverse and exciting menus. With the ability to switch easily between boiling, frying, low-temperature cooking, and more, it helps chefs deliver consistent, high-quality dishes across many cuisines. By experimenting with a new cooking technique each week, you can gradually expand your menu and showcase your kitchen’s full versatility. 

At Southern Hospitality, we are proud to be New Zealand’s exclusive distributor of RATIONAL commercial cooking equipment, offering expert guidance, hands-on demonstrations, and full training support to help your business get the most out of your investment.