The cast-iron Dutch oven is a versatile piece of cookware used in several kitchens of the world. This heavy cookware has won the hearts of many with its immense capabilities. From soups and stews to deep frying items, you can cook everything using a Dutch oven. There are two types of the Dutch oven and they are cast iron Dutch oven and enamel Dutch oven. Both of them have their benefits. You can buy the one that suits your preferences.
Cast iron Dutch ovens are generally used for camping as they can withstand the heat of an open flame. Cleaning cast iron Dutch oven is essential because when you care for it, it would last for generations. Enamel Dutch ovens are suitable for people who love vibrant colors. These colored pots can match up the decor of the kitchen easily.
Things You Should Know About Your Dutch Oven
Here are a few things that you should know before starting to use the Dutch oven for the first time.
- You Should Wash Before Using It – Remember to wash your Dutch oven before using it for the first time. You should wash it with hot soapy water and pat dry it with a soft piece of cloth. Dutch ovens are dishwasher safe, however, it is recommended to wash them using your hands.
- Cast Iron Can Withstand All Heat Sources – Oval cast iron Dutch oven can be used on gas, induction, electric oven and grill. It can also be used on wood or coal-powered ovens. When you place your Dutch oven on a direct heat source, make sure the temperature is not high.
- Cats Iron Can Hold Up The Heat – Cast iron can distribute the heat evenly throughout the cookware and therefore it gets very hot in less time. If you want to keep your food warm for a long time, then just keep the lid on when the cooking is done.
- Oil Is Essential – It is important to use oil while cooking food in the Dutch oven. If you put dry food into the oven, it can stick and eventually get burnt. You can use butter, oil, liquid, or any other fat form to coat the cooking surface of the Dutch oven before you start cooking.
Apart from the ones mentioned above, you should also avoid scratching the cookware as that could damage the enamel finish. When you clean the Dutch oven, avoid the use of metallic scrubbing pads and other abrasive cleaners. If you follow the instructions, your future generation would be able to inherit the piece of cookware from you.
