Dutch oven cooking recipes

A Dutch oven is a type of pan with a tight fitting lid that keeps steam in the pan. It is useful for braises and stews. A Dutch oven works very much like a slow cooker where the food stews in its own juices.

A cast iron Dutch oven needs to be seasoned before use an enamel Dutch oven pot does not need any previous seasoning. Seasoning creates a natural coat that protects it from rusting and makes it non-stick. The recognized advantage on cast iron pots comes from being better to cook acidic foods, and that they retain heat for longer once removed from the stove. Cast iron or enamel, which one to use is up to you.

You can use a Dutch oven can be used over the stove top, in the oven, or over a campfire, and, if the Dutch oven is completely cast iron, just surround it with hot coal briquettes or wood. Aluminum pans do not perform as well as cast iron Dutch oven on a campfire; they may melt while a cast iron Dutch oven can stand higher temperatures - they also distribute heat more evenly.

You can substitute a Dutch oven with any large, oven-proof pan with a tight fitting lid. See Dutch oven cooking recipes.