Dutch ovens are credited for being a useful cookware that can last a lifetime, but this can only happen when you follow certain tips that can help you use this cooking appliance properly. And on this note, here are some useful tips you can follow if you want to master the use of Dutch oven:
1. Whenever you want to use your Dutch oven, make sure to wash it at the first place
Before you use your Dutch oven for the first time, make sure to wash it with soapy hot water; then dry it with a soft clean cloth. And although many types of Dutch ovens can be washed with the help of a dishwasher, try to hand-wash it instead whenever you can.
2. Cast iron Dutch oven holds heat very well
Cast iron Dutch ovens are characterised by its ability to hold heat and thanks to this characteristic, Dutch ovens help retain more heat. Hence, the process of distributing heat during the process of cooking remains balanced allowing more to maintain as many flavours as possible. Besides, the Dutch oven can help keep food warm for quite a long time.
3. You can use Dutch oven on all heat sources
You can always use Dutch ovens on top of all heat sources like on a gas stove, in an oven or even in a grill. Besides, Dutch ovens can also work on wood or coal alike. So whenever you are using a Dutch oven, you have the freedom to use whatever heat source you want according to your liking and to the occasion. However, keep in mind to keep the temperature not too hot and not too low either, otherwise, you will risk scorching it.
4. Do never use very high temperatures while using a Dutch oven
When using a Dutch oven, make sure never to use very high temperatures unless you need to boil water, pasta, to reduce the consistency of sauces, stocks or for cooking vegetables. Indeed, Dutch ovens work very well when the heat is balanced and under control; so always make sure never to preheat the Dutch oven on high. Heating a Dutch oven on High can cause your food to stick and believe me you do n ’t want that to happen.
5. Always grease the Dutch oven before using it
As a general rule, you should never cook food in a Dutch oven without greasing it because that way, you are going to risk sticking or burning food. And if you wonder what you can use to grease the Dutch oven with, just use oil, fat or butter.
6. You can marinate ingredients in a Dutch oven
Did you know that you can marinate ingredients in your Dutch oven? Yes, indeed, and do n ’t worry, marinating food in your Dutch oven is a safe option that is safe-to use with raw ingredients or acids.
7. Be careful of scratching your Dutch oven
Whenever you want to use a Dutch oven, be careful of scratching it with a metal and to avoid this risk, it is better to use wooden cooking utensils or silicone. And if you want to avoid the risk of scratching your Dutch oven, avoid any abrasive cleaners like metallic scrubbing pads.
8. Always watch out for the quantity of water you are using
When you want to cook in your Dutch oven, check and double check if necessary to make sure the Dutch oven is dry. And fully dry the Dutch oven when you want to store it on the shelf; also keep it away from the moisture so that the iron wo n ’t rust and you end up losing your precious cookware.
9. Pay attention to the cooking timeline
Just about 30 minutes before using your Dutch oven outdoors, you should start a fire. Most Dutch oven meals take about 1 hour to be perfectly cooked. You would want to start the cooking process about two hours before the sunset to have dinner on time.
10. Keep the fire established
Once you have established the campfire for the Dutch oven, keep putting the logs to get a nice coal going. The coal you are going to obtain will help you cook your food properly instead of burning it. It is also recommended to gather some rocks of small size to create a pit. Also be patient and do n ’t open the lid frequently while cooking b ecause you will risk allowing the heat to release and you will eventually delay the cooking process.
Note:
There are many brands and varieties of Dutch ovens, but no matter what type you choose to purchase, you should follow the previous tips in order to make sure your food comes out perfectly cooked. You may also line your Dutch oven with an aluminium foil to help cook better your desserts. And never place the lid on the ground. So are you ready to start this enjoyable cooking journey?