A Dutch oven is a typical cast iron pot that is short and wide enough for preparing many dishes ranging from yummy soups to tantalizing stews.
A Dutch oven has a thick base, which keeps the internal temperature of the oven stable. It also consists of a handle on either side, which is of help a great deal while lifting a heavy pot full of stew. These ovens come in many sizes, materials, textures, and colors.
What are the pros of having a Dutch oven?
We are very particular when it comes to kitchen utensils. Instead of getting a stockpot, a casserole, or a saucepan, a Dutch oven acts as a great replacement as it shifts roles based on your needs. There are many pros of having a Dutch oven. Let’s dive deep and take a look at the pros
Storage space
We all are no strangers to the fact that Dutch ovens come in various sizes. They take the same cabinet space as a 6-8 quart slow cooker. One more astounding fact about these ovens is that one must not worry when tucking away the Dutch oven. Thus, storing a Dutch oven in your kitchen is very simple.
Weight
It is a no-brainer that a Dutch oven is much heavier than the other cookware appliances owing to its enameled cast iron. However, this works in your favor as its weight provides the oven with the sturdiness and heat retention which is required in a Dutch oven.
Versatility
There is no kitchen appliance as a Dutch oven. It is of multipurpose use and covers all the facets of cooking! You can bake, fry, stew, roast, and even cook pasta in the oven! The food will come out evenly cooked from all ends, and you will even see varied textures!
Dutch Oven Cooking Recipes
Dutch ovens are ideal for creating delicious roasts and drool-worthy meals. No matter if it’s a holiday or a typical day of the week, a Dutch oven never disappoints! It encapsulates all aspects of cooking. However, one should be mindful of using the right size of Dutch oven as its size can make or break a dish!
Cook the creamiest mac and cheese, pot roasts, chicken soup or braised meat! You can pick a dish you desire to cook! Following are five easy Dutch oven cooking recipes
Red beans and rice
Spicy, smoky and deeply satisfying, red beans and rice is a one-pot meal that will end all your hunger pangs! Traditionally, this dish was a quick go-to meal for an elaborate Sunday night dinner. However, in today’s time, you can give it your touch by adding your favorite seasonings and flavors!
The ingredients needed for this dish are red beans, Cajun seasonings, rice, garlic, onions, salt and oil.
You can start by sautéing the beans in oil in a Dutch oven and wait for them to cook!
After they cook, you can add chopped onion and garlic and stir it until these veggies pick a little color.
Next comes the spice. Add Cajun seasoning and paprika, and then add cooked rice in the oven.
Keep sautéing the rice and beans until they exude a mesmerizing aroma!
Brisket potato
For a comforting Sunday night dinner, you can cook brisket potato! Brisket is a juicy chunk of meat which melts in your mouth! You need some roasted veggies whose aroma fills in the air and draws your attention! Brisket potato is a unique dish with a symphony of flavors!
The ingredients needed for this dish are beef meat, fragrant herbs, onions, garlic powder, pepper, paprika and some veggies.
Start by cooking the brisket until it becomes tender and succulent.
Then add some mashed potatoes along with other veggies such as carrots, onions and beans.
After you shallow fry, add some herbs, garlic powder and other seasonings.
Cook for about 10-15 minutes in the Dutch oven and your dish is ready!
White bean soup
Want to take all your stress away after coming home from office after experiencing a hectic day? The white bean soup will do wonders for you! It has rich gourmet flavors and is creamy and comforting! Moreover, it is extremely healthy as it is packed with veggies!
The ingredients required for this soup are white beans, carrots, onion, garlic, celery, water, parsley, and herbs like oregano and basil.
You should start by sautéing all the veggies such as white beans, garlic, onion, carrot and celery!
After they change their color! Then add them in boiling water! Keep stirring until all the flavors blend in together!
After that, add some seasonings, parsley, oregano, and basil. Simmer the mixture until it cooks well and your dish is ready to be served!
Braised vegetables
Dutch ovens are best for braising! This dish is jam-packed with drizzling flavors, and it is healthy as well! Braising is a quintessential cooking method where food is sautéed at a very high temperature and then it is baked in a Dutch oven!
The ingredients required for this dish are onions, carrots, celery, garlic and beans! You have to first start with preheating the oven.
Then you have to chop the veggies and start by sautéing them for 2 minutes.
After that, you have to let them cool, add some vinegar, seasonings, and herbs and bake them in the oven for about 45 minutes!
Dutch oven pizza
Ever heard anyone say no to a pizza? Probably not! There is no comforting feeling than chatting with your friends and loved ones over a slice of pizza!
The ingredients required for this dish are pizza dough, cornmeal, sauce, cheese, capsicum, tomato, zucchini and olives.
Add you have to do is roll out your dough and evenly spread it in the Dutch oven over parchment paper, evenly spread tomato sauce on the pizza, top the pizza with capsicum, tomato, olives, and zucchini, and garnish it with grated cheese!
Bake your pizza for about 15-20 minutes until the crust is golden!
Final words
In a nutshell, from braised veggies to pizza, the Dutch oven is a statement piece which is needed in everyone’s kitchen! It is a versatile kitchen essential which keeps your food warm and fresh for extended periods of time! It is an ideal choice for a variety of yummy, drool-worthy recipes!
The oven has other uses too! It is also used for keeping the food cold! All you have to do is fill it with ice water for some time, pour it out, dry it and you can add your food in it to chill. Thus, it is wise to invest in this lucrative piece of cookware!