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  A Guide to Dutch Ovens

       
Le Creuset 15.5-qt. Enameled Oval Dutch Oven, Cherry Red   Menu
   
       
 
 
 
  Why Choose a Dutch Oven
 

Dutch ovens are a versatile way to cook just about any type of meal. 

Traditionally used for outside cooking around camp fires, nowadays they are generally used on a household stove and are a wonderful addition to your cookware collection.

Cast iron has long been the traditional material used to make Dutch ovens however they can come in a variety of others materials including enamel, aluminum and stainless steel.

 
 

Metals used in Dutch Ovens


Cast iron is the most popular type of metal used in these pots.  Cast iron can withstand the high temperatures of a camp fire without creating hot spots which can burn the meals inside.  Cast iron also retains heat, making it ideal for slow cooking.

 

Aluminum is an alternative to cast iron.  It heats quickly and cools quickly, and the food needs to be turned frequently to prevent burning.  However, it is also less expensive and lighter to carry.

 

Dutch ovens are a top choice for flexible cookware that can meet just about any need.  Use them at home on the stove, outside for a barbeque, or take them along on your camping trips for an all-purpose cooking tool.

 

 
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  What is a  Dutch Oven?

 

Dutch ovens are steep-sided pots made of metal with a tight fitting lid.  They can either have a long handle that stretches from one side of the pot to the other, suitable for hanging over a fire, or they can have a short modern handle.

 

Uses
 

Dutch ovens are traditionally used for slow cooked meals like casseroles, beans, stews or for searing meat quickly.  The tight-fitting lid helps to keep the food tender as it cooks.

The versatility of these pots has made them popular camp tools.  The lids can be inverted and used as frying pans, and the ovens themselves can also be used to make cakes, breads, desserts, rice, and sauces, as well as main courses.
 

Types
 

A traditional Dutch oven has three short legs, so that it can stand directly over the embers of a camp fire.  Take care that the legs are long enough to lift the oven over the coals.  Dutch ovens that are designed to be used on electric ovens do not have the tripod-shaped legs.
 

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