Whether you’re cooking a classic slow-baked dish, a hearty stew or even that BBQ classic - an American-style chilli, the Dutch oven has you covered. This deep cooking pot with a lid can sometimes be made completely from cast iron, but there are more light-weight models that are often ceramic and glazed. Both materials offer an even, convection style cooking process that produces strong flavours and tender dishes. Don’t worry about hot liquids bubbling over and a mess on your splashback, taking cooking outside to the barbecue has never been easier.
Although the Dutch oven was once hung over the campfire and left to do its own thing, there are a few things you need to keep in mind when cooking with the modern version, like this dutch oven from Weber. This features porcelain-enameled cast iron, so you don’t need to season the surface with oil and you can be assured that your meal won’t stick to the pot.
One of the most important things to remember when cooking with a Dutch oven is to treat with care. The big bowl and lid are both very sturdy, but you are using them to cook food at high temperatures. This means that the outer material can sometimes be vulnerable to being dropped and even cracking or shattering with the shock. |
Dutch ovens can be used to cook everything from breads to fruit compotes, but our favourite go-to recipes are the throwbacks to classic, satisfying meals.
Now that you know all the ins and outs of cooking with your Dutch oven carefully, you’re ready to test out these recipes in real time. Are you ready to warm up the winter months and add these hearty classics to your menu?