If you’re new to Dutch ovens or you’re planning to buy one one of these days, there are quite a few things you’ll have to inquire about. The size is important, because you don’t need a huge one if you don’t have many people to cook for, and knowing how to maintain it is also something that matters, because you might easily damage the brand new Dutch oven if you’re not familiar with the right way in which you have to treat it.
One of the greatest advantages of using a Dutch oven is the fact that they can hold heat for very long periods of time, which makes them perfect for types of dishes which request slow cooking. Most food which need to be cooked slow are foods which need to be tender, so make sure the Dutch oven lid is firmly closed and isn’t letting any of the steam out. Steam is a friend of your food, so make sure you keep it all for yourself.
Dutch ovens have been around for literally centuries and real Dutch oven aficionados say that any modification to the original cast iron Dutch oven makes dishes which aren’t real Dutch ovens. They do not approve of aluminum Dutch ovens (although they are easier to carry, some say it gives sort of a chalky taste to the food, and let’s not forget the fact that aluminum is unhealthy), they do not like Dutch ovens which have a coating made of enamel. They are totally pro cast iron Dutch ovens, and seen as these guys have been around for so long, I must agree with them.
If you’re thinking about buying a Dutch oven, you’ll have quite a few choices to make. The first is to decide which type you want. There are cast iron ones, aluminum ones, enameled cast iron ones, and so on. Enameled Dutch ovens have one good side, and that is the fact that you won’t have to season them when you buy them. However, keep in mind that enamel is not suitable for high temperatures, so say goodbye to deep frying if you decide to get an enameled one.
If you know anything about Dutch ovens, you probably know they’re suitable for different uses, like when camping and when at home, and this is one of their great benefits. An even better benefit is the fact that they are accustomed for both uses. When you use them on the stove or in the oven, you can use them safely, because they have heat proof handles, and when you use them outside, their lid has a lip, so the coals wont fall and will keep the food warm on top as well.
Karl is an architect by training and an avid chef. He takes interest in all things luxurious and travels the world in search of them. His latest travels to the American heartland brought him in contact with the precious dutch oven.
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