So while a Dutch oven is always a large pot with a tight-fitting lid, “cast iron” by itself is just about material, and it can take many other forms, most commonly, the aforementioned skillet. Cast iron requires seasoning, which gives it a natural nonstick finish, and creates a surface that doesn’t react with or absorb the flavor of foods.
What is the best brand of cast iron dutch oven?
The best Dutch Ovens in 2022
- Le Creuset Round Dutch Oven. ...
- Staub 6-Quart Enameled Cast Iron Round Dutch Oven. ...
- Lodge 6-Quart Cast Iron Enamel Dutch Oven. ...
- Lodge 5-Quart Cast Iron Double Dutch Oven. ...
- Great Jones The Dutchess Dutch Oven. ...
- Cuisinart Chef’s Classic Enameled Cast Iron 5-Quart Covered Casserole. ...
- Milo by Kana Classic Dutch Oven. ...
What is the best rated Dutch oven?
Best Dutch oven overall: Le Creuset In our tests, the Le Creuset gave the best performance, producing well-crusted seared meat and evenly caramelized vegetables.
What is the top rated Dutch oven?
Best of the Best. Le Creuset. Enameled Cast Iron Signature Round Dutch Oven. Check Price. Iconic Quality. Bottom Line. This iconic and crave-worthy dutch oven is the benchmark for all other brands. Pros. Durable, expertly coated enamel resists sticking, stains, chipping, and cracking.
What is a good recipe for a Dutch oven?
The 25 Best Things to Cook When You Get a Dutch Oven
- Bolognese. The gold standard home bolognese recipe ripped from the pages of Marcella Hazan’s cookbooks. ...
- Dried Beans. Dried beans > canned beans. ...
- Coconut Chicken Curry. ...
- Risotto. ...
- Pozole. ...
- Chicken Thighs with Tomato, Orzo, Olives, and Feta. ...
- Chicken and Dumplings. ...
- French-Style Pork Stew. ...
- Caldo Verde. ...
- Linguine and Clams. ...
Which is better Dutch oven or cast iron?
If you're looking for sturdy cookware, both traditional cast-iron cookware and enameled cookware, including Dutch ovens, are great choices. With slow cooking, enameled cast iron is the better choice. Meanwhile, regular cast iron often performs better when you're cooking something quickly.
Can I use a cast iron instead of a Dutch oven?
There aren't too many campfire alternatives that will allow you such versatility as a Dutch oven, but a good option is a cast iron skillet. A large cast iron skillet will enable you to fry and braise, and if you can find a suitable covering, you could also use it for simmering and slow cooking.
What is the point of a Dutch oven?
Dutch ovens are great for stews, sauces, soups, braises or any other moist-heat cooking method. This pot can cook a casserole or a whole chicken. You can brown meat and vegetables on the stove and let them simmer away or transfer your pot to the oven to finish cooking there.
Why are cast iron Dutch ovens better?
An enameled cast-iron Dutch oven is perfect for braises because of its heft, which helps with heat retention and distribution. It's ideal for searing meat over high heat on the stovetop and then transferring it to the oven for low-and-slow cooking. That's functionality and versatility.
What are 8 reasons to use a Dutch oven?
8 Dutch Oven Uses All Homeowners Should KnowCook the Perfect Meal (and More!) 1/9. ... Boil Pasta. 2/9. ... Roast Meat. 3/9. ... Simmer Sauce. 4/9. ... Slow Cook Soup. 5/9. ... Bake Bread. 6/9. ... Cover and Cook a Casserole. 7/9. ... Deep-Fry Food. 8/9.More items...
What can you not cook in a cast iron Dutch oven?
4 Things You Should Never Cook in Cast Iron:Smelly foods. Garlic, peppers, some fish, stinky cheeses and more tend to leave aromatic memories with your pan that will turn up in the next couple of things you cook in it. ... Eggs and other sticky things (for a while) ... Delicate fish. ... Acidic things—maybe.
Do chefs use Dutch ovens?
A Dutch oven is a versatile kitchen tool that can be used for everything from roasting chicken to baking bread. Here's how to shop for the best Dutch oven. Though there are many kitchen tools a good chef needs to complete their collection, a Dutch oven is arguably one of the most important due to its versatility.
What do you typically cook in a Dutch oven?
There are so many different uses for Dutch ovens: Dutch ovens are great for both the stovetop and the oven, making them ideal for braising meat; cooking soups, stews, and sauces; boiling water for pasta; frying chicken; and even baking bread.
Does meat cook faster in a Dutch oven?
In Linda Carucci's Cooking School Secrets For Real-World Cooks, she notes that testers for a short rib recipe in the book finished the recipe as much as 30 minutes faster using Le Creuset Dutch ovens than they did when they used less sturdy pots.
What are two reasons to use a Dutch oven?
Why You Need a Dutch OvenUse Your Dutch Oven to Cook Pasta Directly in the Sauce. ... Use Your Dutch Oven to Steam Side Dishes. ... Use Your Dutch Oven to Cook Hearty Stews. ... Use Your Dutch Oven to Poach Eggs, Chicken, and More. ... Use Your Dutch Oven for Baking.
Why do chefs use cast iron?
It Just Makes Your Cooking Taste Better With its unbeatable heat retention, it's no wonder why experienced chefs all love this material. But besides its ability to retain heat like nothing else, there seems to be a mysterious quality to cast iron that simply comes through in your cooking.
Is it worth cooking in cast iron?
Cast iron works wonders for many foods, but there are a few cases where you might want to avoid cast iron cookware, such as when you're boiling water or letting something simmer. The reason is that your food may absorb more iron flavor than you'd like if it's cooked in cast iron for an extended period of time.
Can you use the same cast iron for baking and cooking?
The simple answer is yes!
Can I use cast iron instead of baking dish?
Order's Up! The humble cast iron skillet is one of those inexpensive but indispensable kitchen tools that can stand in for a sandwich press, a pizza stone, a baking dish or sauté pan. Don't be intimidated by seasoning them–Now you can buy the skillets preseasoned, so they're ready to cook the day you bring them home.
Do you need to season the lid of a cast iron Dutch oven?
You do not need to season Enameled Cast Iron Cookware. However, if you have a Cast Iron Dutch Oven that is not pre-seasoned, you must season it to ensure it has a well-formed patina, which will aid in food releasing easily from the surface of the Dutch Oven.
Can the always pan be used as a Dutch oven?
This pan's not oven-safe. Although it can nail most kitchen tasks, unfortunately it can't stand the high heat of an oven. It's a bit disappointing considering that the pan, when sold individually, can be pricey. If you want a Dutch-oven-like piece that can handle the heat, then this pan will not do you any favors.
Key Differences Between Cast Iron and Enameled Cast Iron
Cast iron has been used in cooking since at least 2,500 B.C. Cast iron offers excellent heating properties, and when properly seasoned has non-stick properties as well. It’s no surprise then that cast iron has remained a popular choice for cookware through the centuries.
Cast Iron vs Enameled Cast Iron: Pros and Cons
Both enameled cast iron and regular cast iron deserve a place in your kitchen. Here are some pros and cons to each.
Take Away: Cast Iron and Enameled Dutch Oven Are Both Great
If you’re looking for sturdy cookware, both traditional cast-iron cookware and enameled cookware, including Dutch ovens, are great choices. With slow cooking, enameled cast iron is the better choice. Meanwhile, regular cast iron often performs better when you’re cooking something quickly.
What is the difference between enameled and cast iron?
The main distinction that sets enameled and cast iron Dutch ovens apart is the pot’s finish (or lack thereof), the price tag, and the amount of TLC your cookware requires .
Can you use a cast iron Dutch oven on a stove?
Just like the enameled version, cast iron Dutch ovens can be used to cook just about anything and everything on the stovetop and oven. And because they lack a painted coating, these pots fare much better on grills and over an open flame.
When were cast iron Dutch ovens invented?
Cast iron Dutch ovens are basically the original Dutch oven; they’re said to have been created by the Pennsylvania Dutch in the 1700s. They are sturdy, durable, and, when treated well, can last for generations.
Can enameled pots be used on the stove?
These pots can be used to cook just about anything and everything on the stove and in the oven, although because of the enameled finish, it’s not recommended they be used on the grill or over an open flame.
Do cast iron Dutch ovens need to be seasoned?
This means cast iron Dutch ovens should be seasoned before they’re put to work, which pays off in the form of a nonstick surface over the inside of the pot . These pots require some extra attention when cleaning (no soap!), and are more prone to rust.
Do enameled cast iron pots need to be seasoned?
The tradeoff is that these pots are easier to care for and don’t require quite as much TLC. Enameled cast iron pots do not need to be seasoned before using, are not prone to rusting in the same way traditional cast iron is, and get the okay to be washed with soap.
Who is Kelli Foster?
Kelli Foster. Food Editor, Plan & Prep. Kelli is the Food Editor for Plan & Prep content for Kitchn. She's a graduate of the French Culinary Institute and author of the cookbooks, The Probiotic Kitchen, Buddha Bowls, and Everyday Freekeh Meals. She lives in New York.
Is Enameled Cast Iron Better Than Cast Iron Dutch Ovens?
This is where the differences will come into play as you decide whether an enamel Dutch oven will be a better buy than a cast iron one or vice-versa. Different people will place different emphasis on each of the features. So, what works for one may not necessarily work for the other.
How much does a cast iron Dutch oven cost?
On the high end, Staub and Le Creuset are the 2 brands that most people will long for and they sell for more than $300 for a mid-sized Dutch oven. The more affordable ones would be Lodge and Tramontina and they cost only a fraction of the price that you would pay for Staub and Le Creuset. The selling price of these is not much higher than an uncoated cast iron Dutch oven.
What is the difference between enameled and cast iron Dutch oven?
Many people tend to think that a cast iron Dutch oven and an enameled one are made of two completely different materials. Well, it is not surprising because of their contrasting appearance. Cast iron cookware are typically plain, dark-colored pieces while enameled ones are brightly colored with many different shades available to suit all ...
What is a Dutch oven?
A Dutch oven is a large pot with thick walls and a tight-fitting, heavy lid to keep steam from escaping and retain moisture in your cooking. That is why it is often the go-to cookware for slow-cooking, braising, and stewing. Typically, Dutch ovens are made of cast iron because of its ability to absorb and retain heat. There are also Dutch ovens that are made of stainless steel but there are pros and cons to each as can be seen in the All Clad vs Le Creuset debate.
Can you cook tomatoes in enamel Dutch oven?
On the other hand, an enamel cookware has no such issues. You can cook tomatoes in it as the cast iron is covered by the enamel layer which is non-reactive to the acidity in the food. When you buy an enamel Dutch oven, you don’t need to have a different pot on standby for recipes that require acidic ingredients.
Can enamel cookware crack?
While it is nice to have cookware that requires little to no maintenance and looks beautiful in the kitchen, the downside is it is not as tough as a raw cast iron piece. The enamel layer can chip or crack. You need to use it with more caution and avoid metal utensils to protect its coating. The outer layer may also chip if you bump it against a hard surface while washing or cooking.
Can you cook food in a cast iron pot?
But it is still a big no to cook acidic food in a bare cast iron pot on a regular basis. Neither should you leave acidic food in the pot for long as it will strip away the seasoning that you have worked so long to build. On the other hand, an enamel cookware has no such issues.
What Is a Cocotte Used For?
Although the shape of your cocotte may be slightly different and has been distributed by a manufacturer as a “cocotte” it is essentially a Dutch oven.
What is a 5.5 quart cocotte?
Staub 5.5-Quart Cocotte – click the image to check it out. Why Does Cocotte Mean? In France and Europe, the enamel-coated Dutch oven is called a cocotte or French oven. Dated back to 1865 the word cocotte is French for a small round or oval cast-iron pot known as a “casserole”.
What is a Dutch oven?
A Dutch oven is the original cocotte or French oven. Originally from The Netherlands, they were forged from cast-iron. Used in their raw form (no enamel coating) over open fires or wood stoves. Modern-day Dutch ovens have been coated in enamel and are known as “Cocottes” which is a French term for “Dutch ovens”.
Why is the lid of a Dutch oven curved?
The lid of a Dutch oven is curved in such a way as to maximize the basting feature of its lids.
What are the different names for Dutch ovens?
Dutch oven manufacturers and Brands name various shapes of their Dutch ovens different names such as cocotte, french oven, and Dutch oven, to add to the confusion. Two very well-known brands Le Creuset and Staub both have cocotte, French ovens, and Dutch ovens in both their extensive ranges of cookware and accessories.
What are the spikes on a Dutch oven?
Dutch ovens usually have spikes or (nipples) on the inside of the lid. These spikes allow the flavorsome condensation to drip back into the oven for those full bodies flavors we all love. This is where one major difference occurs between a Dutch oven and a cocotte.
When was the Dutch oven invented?
In the United States, they are more commonly known as Dutch ovens or French ovens. The earliest record of the Dutch oven is dated back to 1760. The Dutch oven is described as a cooking pot with a heavy lid. This pot will make just about any dish but pot roasts, stews, soups are what would have been cooked in them hundreds of years ago.
What is the difference between a French oven and a Dutch oven?
French ovens are similar to cast-iron Dutch ovens, except they have an enameled coating and have to be treated slightly differently. They also gave them another name, ‘cocottes.’
What is the best cast iron Dutch oven?
A cast-iron Dutch oven would suit you if: 1 You enjoy cooking various types of one-pot dishes. 2 The complex flavors of cast-iron suit your palate. 3 You like cooking on campfires. 4 Seasoning your cookware regularly doesn’t put you off.
How to keep cast iron Dutch oven non-stick?
To do this, follow these simple steps: Clean and dry the cast-iron Dutch oven well. Spread a layer of mild vegetable oil across it with a paper towel. Preheat your oven to 375°F. Bake the cookware for around an hour. Allow it to cool and store it. Seasoning your cast-iron Dutch oven regularly will keep it non-stick.
What is a Dutch oven called?
But, did you know that the gorgeous, colorful pots you might know as Dutch ovens actually have a different name? Believe it or not, they are called French ovens. Dutch ovens are traditionally bare cast-iron pots, without the enamel.
What is a heavy pot used for?
They are mainly used for cooking methods that involve moisture, like stews, soups, and braising, but can also be used in other ways.
What was the Dutch oven?
This new method gave rise to the Dutch oven, which was a raw cast-iron pot that develops a non-stick surface when seasoned regularly.
Can you use a French oven in a Dutch oven?
Both can cook a variety of dishes and can be used on the stovetop and inside the oven. However, you can only use a non-enameled Dutch oven in a campfire. French ovens also are not heat resistant!
What Are the Differences Between a Dutch Oven and a Stock Pot?
Although these two cooking pots are similar the differences in materials, shape, size, versatility, performance, and durability are significant.
Is a stockpot or Dutch oven better for soup?
Dutch ovens lend themselves to low and slow-cooking meals including soup. Their heavy bases, sides and heavy self-basting lid keeps the nutrients dripping back into the dish the way no other piece of cookware can.
What is a stockpot used for?
Both stockpots and Dutch ovens are used for cooking large volumes of food
How big is a Dutch oven?
Both Dutch ovens and stockpots can be found in sizes ranging from 3-quarts to 50-quarts or larger . The most used pot sizes for family cooking range from 6-quarts to 12-quarts. The typical shape of a stockpot is flat bottomed with high straight sides.
What is the difference between a stockpot and a Dutch oven?
Stockpots are usually made from aluminum or stainless steel. Dutch ovens are heavier but more versatile regarding cooking methods without warping. Stockpots are lighter and better suited to cooking and holding large volumes of liquid.
What are Dutch ovens made of?
The most commonly available Dutch ovens are made from cast iron, enamel-coated cast iron, or aluminum. On the other hand, Stockpots are most commonly made from stainless steel, aluminum, or a combination of the two. Some stockpots also include some copper in the base disc.
How many handles does a stockpot have?
Stockpots have two handles, making for easy lifting of the pot, especially if the handles are deep. Materials used in manufacturing the handles are a consideration to be discussed a little later.
