When it comes to fall cooking, the Dutch oven is the workhorse of the kitchen. What is a Dutch oven? It is any large, heavy pot that is suitable for stovetop or oven use. But most people really mean the extra-heavy cast iron, enameled pots typified by Le Creuset and Staub. These hard-working pots are the perfect tool for slow-simmered soups and braises, as well as a few other favorite fall meals.
Read on for our look at five excellent cast iron Dutch ovens, in a variety of price points, and a roundup of 10 recipes to put your own big pot to work. From chicken braised in milk and garlic, to spiced apple butter, to homemade no-knead bread with a shatteringly crisp crust, each of these shows off what a Dutch oven can do.
What Is a Dutch oven?
A Dutch oven is any large, heavy pot that is suitable for stovetop or oven use. So your deep 7-quart stockpot could be a Dutch oven, as long as it has an oven-safe lid and can go straight to the oven from the stove.
But when talking about Dutch ovens, most people really mean the extra-heavy cast iron, enameled pots typified by Le Creuset and Staub. These hard-working pots are the corner piece of the fall and winter kitchen, ideal for slow-simmered soups and braises, as well as other favorite hearty meals.
5 Great Dutch OvensHere's a look at a few different Dutch ovens. I personally own several of these and use them constantly. What's your favorite size or brand of Dutch oven? Got any tips? Share them below!
• 1. Le Creuset 3.5-Quart Wide Oval French Oven. $130 at Chef's Catalog — Many people buy enormous Dutch ovens, and while the big ones have their place, I love my modestly-sized Le Creuset even more. Its extra-wide base lets me brown meat right in the pot, then add tomatoes or broth to make a normal-sized batch of soup or stew. Read more about why I like this pan here.
• 2. Lodge 6-Quart Lodge Color Enamel Dutch Oven. $50 at Amazon — But if you want a larger pot, Lodge's terrific prices and quality just can't be beat. A 6-quart size is good for soups, stews, braises, breads, and more, and this particular pot is a great deal.
• 3. Paula Deen Signature 5-qt. Covered Oval Casserole. $50 at Target — Here's something a little off the beaten track: A Dutch oven from the queen of the South herself, Paula Deen. I included this one because of its low price and its interesting styling. Let's face it — most Dutch ovens look more or less the same, apart from their color and some minor styling differences. This pot is rather beautiful, and good for the oven-to-table work that most Dutch ovens perform.
• 4. Staub 4 1/4-quart Oval Dutch Ovens. $160 at Cutlery and More — I enjoy my oval Dutch oven quite a lot, I think the shape is a little more elegant, and it also cradles a roast chicken perfectly. I have a Staub Dutch oven, which is by far the most pricey piece of cookware in my cupboard, but honestly it's worth every penny. Cleans up beautifully, works hard, looks good.
• 5. Calphalon Enamel Cast Iron 8 Quart Dutch Oven. $139 at Amazon — If you are in the market for a really, really big Dutch oven, then the price on this 8 quart pot from Calphalon is a fine deal. Calphalon makes affordable Dutch ovens, and their service is supposed to be good too.
Some Dutch oven shopping tips:
• Cast Iron Cookware: Enameled or Bare - A store guide for shopping for cast iron cookware.
• Also remember: Check TJ Maxx, Marshalls, and Ross for good deals on off-brand (and name brand) Dutch ovens. It's a great place to pick up something for less.
• Also check Amazon around the holidays, there are often deep discounts then.
• And finally: Remember that any heavy pot with a lid can act as a Dutch oven. I often make no-knead bread in a stainless steel, oven-safe pot, instead of my cast iron Dutch ovens. Just make sure the pot is oven-safe and as heavy as possible.
Any other tips for buying a high-quality, inexpensive Dutch oven?
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