What is a Dutch oven: The complete guide

There are many reasons to love Dutch ovens. They come in bright, beautiful colours, you can take them from the oven to the tabletop, often using them as serving dishes. Plus, you can braise, deep-fry, and even bake bread in them. It is an investment and its uses extend to various cooking techniques and recipes, helping you achieve your ambitious culinary goals. But what is a Dutch oven? Is a Dutch and a French oven the same thing with different names? What to cook in a Dutch oven, and what are the most typical uses? In this guide, we'll tell you all you need to know about and how to use them in the best way possible. If you want to learn more about this versatile oven, read on.

Quick Links

• Frequently Asked Questions
• History And Popularity Around The World
• Cooking Essentials You Need To Know
• Dutch Oven Vs French Oven
• Recipe Ideas And Cooking Techniques
• Top Practical Tips
• 5 Things You Need To Know To Further Enhance Your Cooking
• Cleaning And Care Tips
• Use A Dutch Oven Like A Pro

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Dutch oven?

A Dutch oven is a heavy gauge cooking pot with a lid, used initially in the Netherlands. It's now popular worldwide for its versatility and ease of use. Made from cast iron, the pot is long, wide, and deep, designed for caramelising meat and vegetables, then simmering on a stovetop or braising in the oven. It's great for cooking food in indirect heat. In other words, the heat from the fire does not cook the food directly in the Dutch oven. Instead, the heat goes around the sides and cooks the food gradually. This makes for perfect textures and delicious dishes every time! A Dutch oven's short and thick walls make it easy to keep food warm on the table. With two short handles on either side -- it's easy to balance and transfer the pot in and out of the oven without worrying about accidents caused by unsteady hands.

Which Dutch oven is right for me?

When finding the best one for you, consider your needs and what you plan to use it for. For example, a cast iron Dutch oven is apt if you're looking for a pot that can be used for multiple purposes, like braising and baking. On the other hand, if you need a pot that can simmer food in indirect heat, an aluminium Dutch oven could be a great choice.

The history and popularity around the world

If you're wondering why it is called a Dutch oven, here's a quick recap. They were first used in the Netherlands in the 1600s. The Dutch were known for crafting some of the world's best cookware at the time. These ovens were initially made from expensive materials like brass and copper. It was an English inventor who then discovered that cast iron made for a much cheaper material alternative. He, however, still needed to use the Dutch method for casting iron in sand moulds. The process made bringing more affordable and durable cookware to the market easier. Today it has become a popular kitchen staple worldwide.

Cooking essentials you need to know

Materials and construction

Dutch ovens are made from a few different materials. The most common is cast iron, but they can also be made out of ceramic, aluminium, or even steel. Each material has advantages and disadvantages, so choosing the one that's right for you is essential.

Sizes and shapes

There is a range of sizes available on the market, from small to large. Your size will depend on your needs and how many people you plan to cook for. A smaller size is perfect for individual meals or side dishes for two people, and they make for a great second Dutch oven. On the other hand, a larger one can accommodate a whole chicken or roast - an ideal option when entertaining. Deeper pots are great for simmering and roasting whereas shallower pots make stir frying and saute dishes easy.

Pro tip

Make it a point to avoid other non-stick materials with Dutch ovens since they don't facilitate high-heat cooking and allow your ingredients to brown adequately - reducing flavour in your dish.

Dutch oven vs French oven

Some Dutch ovens have an enamel coating, offering easy maintenance and cleaning, these offer the same caramelising and browning benefits as cast iron, minus the effort and time needed to season the pot. These are also known as French ovens.

But why the confusion?

The Dutch oven vs French oven debate is a popular one. French companies like Le Creuset loved the concept of the original oven. To create a point of difference, they added enamelled coating and started referring to them as French ovens. While the ovens became popular, the name French oven wasn't sticky, with most people continuing to refer to them with the original name.

Can we use the terms Dutch oven and French oven interchangeably?

Generally, these terms refer to a similar product, however it is important to remember the slight nuances. A Dutch oven is a type of cooking pot made from cast iron or ceramic. It has a heavy bottom and sides and usually comes with a tight-fitting lid. A French oven, on the other hand, is a type of pot made from enamelled cast iron or glass, and it has sloped sides and usually does not come with a lid. Generally speaking, most recipes stipulating Dutch oven cooking refer to a French oven with an enamelled interior. However, a traditional Dutch oven with a well-seasoned raw cast iron interior will function the same way as one with an enamelled finish.

Substitutes for Dutch ovens

You can substitute a similar pot with a tight-fitting lid. A good substitute would be a heavy-bottomed pot. Another option is to use a slow cooker.

Recipe Ideas and Cooking Techniques

Some of the most popular cast iron pot recipes include:

• Beef Stroganoff
• Chicken kiev
• Roasted root vegetables
• Apple pie
• Chicken enchiladas
• Baked potatoes
• Curry
• Casseroles

You can even cook stews and soups as well as simmer stock, cook risotto and one pot pastas. Cast iron cookware tends to heat uniformly, retaining temperatures incredibly well. Thus making, braising, and tenderising meat and veggies feel effortless.

You can also make delicious bread at home! The thick walls of the pot make it conducive to creating a steamy environment that keeps the dough nice and moist. Lastly, its durability allows users to extend to the outdoors. Certain types of oven pots can be placed over a campfire, so be sure to check before you buy.

Cooking tricks and techniques for delicious results

To get the most out of your cast iron pot, it's vital to have a few easy cooking tips handy. For instance, it's important to preheat the oven before adding food, as this will help to seal in flavour and moisture. Additionally, consider investing in an oven thermometer, as this will help keep the temperature steady for more consistent results. Here are a few more tips to keep in mind:

• Brown large quantities of meat in batches to ensure the pot does not become overcrowded. Crowding increases steam build-up, leading to tougher meat. Also, be sure to drain any excess grease between batches.
• Kosher salt can be great for seasoning and browning meats and vegetables. Salting draws out moisture, creating more intense colouration and a deeper flavour in the finished dish.
• When preparing meat and veggies, begin by searing the meat. Once cooked to the desired level, remove from the heat and keep aside. Lower the pot's temperature, add your vegetables and cook until tender. The method ensures you can impart the meat's flavours to the vegetables while allowing them to cook gently and slowly.
• Cutting meat and veggies evenly is a great tip to ensure no bits remain undone.Leave your seasoning until the dish is almost ready to be removed from the heat and you've tasted it. During the simmering or braising process, the flavours intensify and concentrate, and the dish can taste over-salted.

Dutch oven uses - Top practical tips

This type of pot is perfect for slow-cooking. Get the most out of your cooking by following our top tips:

• Cover the pot fully when making soups or foods you want to cook gently. The lid's handle can become hot, especially if it's made of metal, so use caution.
• Allow your pot to heat up slowly before adding any ingredients. This will help to ensure that food is cooked evenly and doesn't stick to the sides of the pot.
• For excellent Dutch oven cooking, particularly for a deep sear, heat the pot and follow up with a bit of oil before adding the meat. This will ensure your meat doesn't overheat and burn.
• If making a sauce, leave the lid slightly ajar to allow evaporation. Avoid using the lid entirely for reduction at the last stages of cooking.
• The Dutch oven's uses also extend to doubling up as excellent serving dishes. Just make sure to inform your guests that the pot is hot and use a pot holder on the table.

5 things you need to know to further enhance your cooking

• The lid's design helps trap moisture and heat, so food cooked in a Dutch oven has more flavour and tends to be very moist.
• When using on a stovetop or over a campfire, it's crucial to keep an eye on the temperature to ensure it doesn't get too hot or too cold.
• Cast iron cookware is a durable cooking option that will last for years.
• Avoid rushing the cooking process by letting your dish cook on low and slow heat for a few hours. You'll get meat that's tender and falling off the bone. Always handle with oven mitts or dry towels after to avoid accidental burns.
• The Dutch oven cooking process differs from a classic slow cooker. The pot allows the dish to develop more decadent flavours courtesy of a few different cooking techniques like searing, sauteing and braising.

Cleaning and Care Tips

Let's get down to maintenance, which is crucial to maintaining longevity. The right type of care will improve its durability, lasting years and decades. With enamel-coated French cast iron cookware - keep the pot free of knicks to avoid exposing the cast iron to moisture and rust. Here are a few things to remember:

• After cooking, remember to clean it by hand. This will help preserve the pot's lustre and colourful finish. The dishwasher can damage the coating.
• Dutch ovens tend to be extremely sensitive to sudden temperature changes, and this can cause the pot's surfaces to crack. That's why it's crucial to let your pot cool before adding any cool liquids. For this reason, you can also consider preheating the pot in the oven - as this means your pot heats up simultaneously with the oven.

How to season a cast iron Dutch oven

When using a traditional cast iron pot, it's important to season it by reapplying a coat of oil whenever necessary. If you're wondering how to season a cast iron Dutch oven - here's a quick lowdown:

Step 1 - Clean

Scrub your entire pot - using a brush or piece of steel wool and a few drops of mild dish soap. Make sure to remove any rusty spots and scrub it down to the bare metal. Cleaning will prime your pot for that first layer of seasoning.

Step 2 - Rinse & dry

Next, wash, rinse, then dry it as quickly and thoroughly as possible. In case of moisture or humidity in the air - place your pot on the stove, turn it to medium heat and let it dry.

Step 3 - Oil rub

After you've dried and cooled the pot - rub a few drops of oil on its surface using a paper towel. Ideally, you want to coat the entire surface (sides, top, bottom and handle) with a thin layer of oil. Wipe away any excess oil to avoid it getting sticky when heated up. Ideally, you'll want the pot to look nearly dry after you've finished the step. Options like vegetable or canola oil are excellent for seasoning.

Step 4 - Place in the oven

Place the Dutch oven upside down in a preheated oven for about an hour. The sheet pan below will collect any excess oil drippings. After the hour is up, switch off the oven and allow it to cool inside the oven. It is now ready to use! Repeat this seasoning procedure if the pot feels too dry and you notice the seasoning wearing off. If the seasoning process feels elaborate and you don't have the time - opt for enamelled types, also known as French cast iron cookware.

Use a Dutch oven like a pro

From what is a Dutch oven and its history, the Dutch oven vs French oven debate, to finally exploring cooking tips and uses - this guide spells it all for you. Start cooking with a wide range of cast iron cookware from Harris Scarfe. Looking to whip up something delicious in your pot? We recommend Poh's cast iron pot recipes. For more inspiration about all things kitchen and food, stay tuned to our Food Hub.