A good collection of cookware will make it easier to get dinner on the table. But if you're looking for a go-to pot that can do it all, shop for a Dutch oven. Sure, there's a time and place for more modern appliances, like Instant Pots or slow cookers, but a Dutch oven has a long history of being a trusty vessel for making big braises, soups, and one-pot meals that can go straight from the stovetop to the table. But what exactly is a Dutch oven and where did the name come from?
Dutch ovens are by far some of the most popular cooking pots in the kitchen. So, it's no wonder Ree Drummond has added quite a few varieties to The Pioneer Woman collection. Over the years, she's come out with both large and small sizes, pretty colors, and even some floral Dutch ovens featuring her signature prints. Not to mention, Dutch ovens can range in shape and material depending on your needs. So, should you go with a cast iron Dutch oven, enameled, or even a ceramic pot? Keep reading for a run-down on everything you need to know about the kitchen staple, including different types of Dutch ovens, how to use them, and how to care for them.
What's a Dutch Oven?
A Dutch oven is a heavy, thick-walled pot with a tight-fitting lid. You might recognize the enameled cast iron pots that come in different colors, but they can also come in other materials as well (more on that below). What makes a Dutch oven stand out from other pots and pans on the shelf is its ability to be ultra-sturdy and a good way to retain heat. That’s why Dutch ovens are so useful for making soups, stews, sauces, and braises. Not to mention, many Dutch ovens are known to be timeless vessels that can last for years.
History of the Dutch Oven
Dutch ovens may have been around since the 17th century! As the story goes, an Englishman named Abraham Darby visited the Netherlands where they were known to create shallow pots made of brass using a casting process with sand molds. Darby took inspiration from the process but used a cheaper material—iron—to perfect the results. He later patented the process for casting iron in sand in 1707.
Why Is It Called a Dutch Oven?
Many people say the name "Dutch" oven comes from Darby's visits to the Dutch factories. More than 300 years later and we're still calling them Dutch ovens. However, in the Netherlands, these types of pots are simply referred to as braadpan, which means roasting pan.
Dutch Oven vs. French Oven
As you now know, Dutch ovens were all originally made out from cast iron. But in later years, the French company Le Creuset started coated them with enamel and labeled them the French oven instead. The name didn't quite stick, but now you know the difference between a Dutch and French oven.
How to Use a Dutch Oven
The best part about a Dutch oven is its versatility! You can use it in so many different ways. Ree likes to put her Dutch oven to good use for one-pot dinners like her perfect pot roast or homemade chili, but you can also use it to cook beans, roast a whole chicken, or bake a crusty loaf of bread. Not only can Dutch ovens get searingly hot, but they'll also hold their heat well. So, whether you're simmering something on the stovetop, deep frying something in oil, or baking something in the oven, there's nothing this study pot can't do.
Dutch Oven Types
Dutch ovens can come in different materials and sizes. They can be as small as mini 1 to 2- quart Dutch ovens or as large as a 15-quart Dutch oven that can feed a crowd. The most common size is a 5-quart Dutch oven, like The Pioneer Woman's Enamel on Cast Iron Dutch Oven with a pretty embossed lid. Speaking of enameled cast-iron, that’s just one of the materials for Dutch ovens that you can find. There are also non-enameled cast-iron Dutch ovens which are great for Dutch oven recipes of all kinds, but they do require seasoning and special care, along with ceramic Dutch ovens, which tend to be lighter weight but less durable than the enameled kind.
How to Clean a Dutch Oven
Keep these care tips in mind to make the most of your Dutch oven and ensure that it lasts for years to come. To start, avoid using metal utensils on enameled cast iron to prevent scratches. Instead, opt for wooden spoons or silicone spatulas. When cleaning your Dutch oven, it's best to hand wash rather than sticking it in the dishwasher. For stubborn foods, allow the Dutch oven to soak in soapy water for 15 minutes, then use a soft sponge and rinse away. Note: Non-enameled cast iron Dutch ovens should be cleaned the same way you would clean a cast-iron skillet.
