Why You Should Start Dutch Oven Cooking

!±8± Why You Should Start Dutch Oven Cooking

I think it would be fair to say that anyone who considers themselves a "real" Chef owns or plans to own a dutch oven. Do you own a dutch oven yet?

What is a Dutch Oven?

OK before we get into the nitty gritty let's just look at what a dutch oven actually is. It's a pot, traditionally on 3 legs (modern versions have no legs to work on home ovens) that would be cooked over open flames, coal or buried in an underground oven. They are typically made of cast iron, sometimes ceramic lined but more modern ovens can also be made from aluminum.

So what's so special about them?

The idea with these ovens is that they sit on a hot heat and the material spreads the heat evenly throughout the pot giving equal heat to the food cooking away inside.... This is extremely good for cooking consistently and evenly throughout vegetables and meat.

What can I cook inside one?

Literally any kind of stew, curry, chili or soup is an ideal candidate for dutch oven cooking but it's also great for cooking cuts of meat, boiling potatoes and vegetables perfectly.

Stews can simply be made starting with onion, garlic and then boiling meat and vegetables are different times with some spices to add additional flavor. The even heat will do wonders. There are so many awesome recipes to follow on line. Curries and soups can be cooked in a very similar way. I personally favor curries over other recipes and start with a basic sauce then add ingredients depending on what is on hand.

Which type should I start with?

You could go straight after an antique to use on an open fire. These heavy pots may not be highly practical. Your parents or grandparents may have once laying around that needs a bit of cleaning up. However if you want convenience then consider a stove top option in ceramic lined or aluminium from a reliable company.