What is a Dutch Oven?

Last modified on 2011-09-16 05:38:27 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

What is a Dutch Oven?

You always see them in movies depicting the old west. They're woven into the fabric of American History, but are they useful in today's world? Or are they relics of a bygone era?

A Dutch oven is basically a heavy-duty pot with a lid. Most often it's made out of cast iron, but some are steel or aluminum. Nowadays you can get a beautiful looking enameled cast iron dutch oven as well. Enameled dutch ovens are nice because you don't have to mess around with seasoning them. Cast iron is also advantageous for its superior heat retention and distribution. Some even claim the cast iron dutch ovens provide a smoked flavor to your food.

In the movies you often see them hanging oven an open fire. Sounds like fun but you can also put them on the stove top or in the oven too. And if you go camping, its perfect over coals or your campfire!

Regardless of the finish, its best to use wood or plastic utensils when cooking with your Dutch oven so you don't damage the finish or the seasoned layer if its bare cast iron.

What Do I Cook in A Dutch Oven?

Meats prepared in a Dutch oven are tasty. A dutch oven imparts a flavor unique to your food, it simply cannot be duplicated. One of the keys to cooking meat in a dutch oven is to brown it first then cook it the rest of the way. To brown it put some oil or fatty stuff like bacon covering the bottom of your dutch oven and cook the meat a bit until it browns. You may want to flip it too and brown it some more. Then drain off the fat and add whatever seasoning and spices are to your liking. You're gonna love the flavor and the locked in juices.

Veggies are great also in a Dutch oven. Lots of times they are prepared in a sauce or a in a stew but you can also make them without a heavy sauce. You can roast them in there too.

A lot of people don't know you can even bake bread in a dutch oven. That's right, corn bread, rolls, biscuits, or sourdough loaves are fun and fairly simple to make in a dutch oven.

There's a lot more you can make in a big old cast iron dutch oven: chicken dishes, bean dishes, casseroles, fish, jambalaya, goulash, rice dishes, soups, stews, chili, and all kinds of yummy comfort foods. The list is endless. There are dutch oven recipes all over the net to do some experimenting.

Are They Expensive?

Like any cooking product, dutch ovens vary tremendously in price. Le Creuset and Staub are the more expensive ones but they are highly recommended and have a fantastic reputation. You can find them cheaper if you're willing to buy used or wait for bargains to turn up. More mid priced brands are Lodge, Calphalon Corning, Copco, Berndes, and All-Clad. Cheaper dutch ovens are Texsport and some Lodge models. Buy a dutch oven with a good reputation for durability and quality, it's something you will end up using way more than you ever imagined.