This dense and nearly indestructible pot is as versatile as it is beautiful to look at.
The heavy cast iron allows for evenly distributed heat, and the glossy enameled surface is easy to clean.
Plus they come in a rainbow of colors, which appeals to my need for whimsy in the kitchen.
Readhere for alternativesto the high-priced French brands.
Here are my favorite recipes and ways to use a Dutch oven to the fullest.
Thissavory sausage and beans recipeis my favorite one-pot dish.
Its flavorful, hearty, and requires very little attention.
Aside from roughly chopping the veg, you barely have to prepare the ingredients.
Leave the sausages whole and sear the links on all sides.
Then simply dump in the rest of the ingredients and let them simmer until fork tender.
Low and slow cooking
The Dutch oven excels at low and slow cooking.
Again, its that clever cast iron core.
One of my favorite meals to make is thiscrispy chicken and rice recipe.
While chicken doesnt require tenderizing, rice and other dried grains and beans benefit from low and slow cooking.
This dish is hearty, simple, and packed with bright flavors, thanks to the tomatoes and olives.
Start by searing chicken thighs, skin-side down, and then cook the remaining ingredients.
These pots are called ovens for a reasontheyre great for baking.
High temperatures like that are great for homemade breads, likethis sourdough recipeI always make in my Dutch oven.
The extra humidity allows for maximum oven spring, leaving you with a well-risen loaf.
For a bread that doesnt require proofing, try thisIrish soda bread recipein your Dutch oven.
Deep frying
One of the biggest challenges that comes with deep frying is keeping the temperature consistent.
The bigger the batch, the more the temperature will dip, potentially resulting in a greasy batter.
The best solution is to use a heavy pot.
My favorite recipe that requires deep frying is thisinstant pancake apple fritter recipe.
Big batches of soup
Soup is the best way to show off your Dutch oven.
you might easily find recipes that are one pot, low and slow, and undemanding.
Sure, not every soup is like this, but Im partial to the ones that are.
Its nice to carelessly toss ingredients into a giant pot and come back to reveal an impressive meal.
This French onion soup recipeis one of my go-tos because it doesnt require any babysitting.
The onions soften easily in the pot and caramelize gently without too much intervention.
The beef broth fills out the soup, while wine and herbs bring in complexity.
Enjoy your Dutch oven explorations, folks.
I use my Dutch oven as anattractive drink coolerfor parties.
Its especially helpful when your fridge is packed and you could use a little extra external space.
Take the pot out and fill it halfway with ice.
