Ashley A. Stanfield
Ashley A. Stanfield
I love to cook, write, and eat. And I really love to share this information with the world. I started www.thefoodcops.com when I realized the amount of misinformation out there in regard to cooking and food. So I decided to start gathering up everything I could, from recipes to cooking tips to restaurant reviews, to create a resource that people would actually use and enjoy. I think it's important to be passionate about food and enjoy cooking it and eating it. This is my way of sharing all that knowledge with you.

The Dutch Oven is a beginner-friendly pot that helps home cooks experiment with new recipes and cooking techniques. And there’s no doubt that Dutch ovens have been around for a long and never seem to go out of style.

They’re one of the most popular cooking equipment today, and one of the reasons is that there are so many different ways to use them. If you love to cook at home, it would be wise to pick up a Dutch oven and try out some of these awesome hacks!

However, before starting with this iconic cookware, here are six things you should know about Dutch Ovens.

9 Best Dutch Ovens 2020 - Top-Rated Dutch Oven Reviews

1. Low and Slow is Where it is at, as it is a Slow-Cooking Pot

The beauty of the Dutch oven is that it can go from the stovetop to the range and back again. This means you can brown your meat on the stovetop before slowly cooking it in the oven, all in one pot. This also means you can sear at high heat and finish cooking at a lower temperature, perfect for ensuring juicy, flavorful meat. This method provides the heart stays tender and moist when cooking stews or braises.

Again, you don’t havdon’tworry about the temperature. With a Dutch oven, there’s to worry about temperature settings because one size fits all: In general, most recipes call for medium heat (300 degrees Fahrenheit), but if you want more color or caramelization, then crank up the heat up high (400 degrees Fahrenheit). If you’re co-you’re something that needs very low heat, put your stovetop burner on low or place the pot in an electric slow cooker set at 170 degrees Fahrenheit.

2. It Features a Self-Basting Cycle — Designed to Tenderize Ingredients

The self-basting lid on a Dutch oven is designed to help tenderize ingredients as they cook. All you need to do is add your favorite seasonings and let the top do its job.

You can use it for more than just stew — A Dutch oven is perfect for much more than just stew. You can braise meats, make soup, bake bread, and cook a whole chicken. The possibilities are endless.

3. They Are Extremely Durable

A Dutch oven is a thick-walled cooking pot with a tight-fitting lid. It’s perfIt’sfor braising, stewing, and baking and can easily go from the stovetop to the range. They’re durable and will last for years with proper care.

Here are hacks for Dutch ovens to make them last long:

  • Season your Dutch oven before using it for the first time. This will help create a non-stick surface and prevent rusting.
  • Preheat your oven before adding food to the pot. This will help ensure even cooking.
  • Clean and dry it properly before storing

4. Don’t SubDon’tDutch Oven to Extreme Temperatures

If you have Dutch, you know they’re cooking all sorts of d; you may not know that they can be easily damaged if you subject them to extreme temperatures.

If you want your Dutch oven to last, here are some things you should know about caring for your Dutch oven:

  • Avoid using your Dutch oven on an open flame. The intense heat can damage the enamel coating.
  • When preheating your oven, only heat it to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Anything higher can also damage the enamel.
  • If you accidentally overheat your oven, don’t pandon’toak it in cool water for a few hours, and then scrub the inside with a soft brush.
  • Never put your Dutch oven in the dishwasher.

5. They Accommodate a Variety of Cooking Techniques, Including Searing, Braising, Slow-Cooking, Sauteing, Simmering, and More

The Dutch oven is a versatile kitchen staple used for various cooking techniques. Whether you’re loyou’reto sear, braise, slow-cook, saute, or simmer, a Dutch oven can help you finish the job. Plus, they’re therefore large cuts of meat or big-batch cooking.

Here are Dutch oven hacks for some cooking techniques:

  • Use heat diffusers like rocks or boiling water: If your food is browning too quickly on the bottom and not on top, add some heat diffusers (like rocks) or boil some water and pour it into the pot.
  • Try adding flavors with coffee grounds: If you want to add more flavor but don’t haven’t additional ingredients, try sprinkling coffee grounds into your pot and adding them directly to whatever meat you’re you’re

6. They are Also Useful for Cold Storage and Refrigerator — Safe

One of the best things about Dutch ovens is their versatility. They can be used for cooking on the stovetop or in the oven and storing food in the fridge or pantry. Plus, they’re reused with both gas and electric stoves. And because it’s made its heavy-gauge steel, it will heat up and cool under low temperatures and won’t brewon’tsily lich other cookware.

The two main materials used to make Dutch ovens are cast iron and stainless steel. Cast iron has existed for centuries — Durant’s long-lasting and excellent at evenly conducting heat. But because it retains heat so well, you must take extra care when moving a cast-iron Dutch oven to the fridge.

Conclusion

A Dutch oven is a versatile tool every home cook should have. With a little bit of care, your Dutch oven will last you for years to come. However, to get the most out of your Dutch oven: Season your Dutch oven before first use; this will help create a non-stick surface and prevent rusting; when cooking with a Dutch oven, always use a trivet or heat diffuser to avoid scorching and if you’re usyou’reur Dutch oven on the stovetop, make sure to use a burner that’s a size or smaller than the base of the pot. This will help distribute heat evenly and prevent hot spots.

- A word from our sposor -

spot_img

6 Things You Should Know About Dutch Ovens