Dutch Oven Alternatives?

Question

If a recipe calls for a dutch oven are there any other ways I can make it if I don't own a dutch oven? The recipe is for a soup by the way.

Answer 1

Any large pot with a good lid works, just watch the heat on the bottom, heavy gage Dutches disperse the heat alot better then a thinner gage pot, make sure it's oven safe if you'll be putting your dish in the oven, no plastic handles

Answer 2

Also.... if you didn't know, you can buy a cast iron Dutch Oven for very little money (at camping or sporting stores or depts, or possibly kitchen stores and other places).

You could also just use a crockpot if it's large enough, doing any browning or sauteing first in a skillet then adding everything to the crock. Or you could do the whole thing on the stove top in a soup pot or other large pot with a lid, at as low a heat as possible (perhaps with a diffuser underneath it). The main idea is just to cook long and slow at a low temperature.

(I guess just the crock from a slow cooker could also go in the oven... or you could also get creative and bury the crock or other pot in the ground with some coals ... or put your un-enamelled cast iron Dutch oven in a bed of coals with some coals on top --that's how Dutch ovens started out.)


P.S. The Dutch ovens that are color "enamelled" on the outside and inside (not just black iron all over) can be quite expensive though (but sometimes are on sale, and they also come in variuos sizes so the price varies) ... Le Crueset is the most well-known brand and very well made; recently Lodge has come out with them too, and other brands may be fine if not quite as good. I also found a sort-of-enamelled one recently at Ikea for less money, but it wasn't enamelled on the inside --which is more important, just for cleaning).


Diane B.

Answer 3

yes, a large heavy pot, such as cast iron, will work well. Or if it calls for browning something, do that part in a heavy skillet and then add the remaining ingredients into a large crockpot and allow to cook on high for about double the time of the soup, but remember that in a crockpot, the liquid will not reduce like in a regular on-the-stove pot.

Answer 4

Use any large stock pot that will fit all the fixins.A Dutch oven is only a large cast iron skillet, so use the pot it will do.Happy Easter..

Answer 5

You can get casserole dishes that will serve the purpose. I am not sure what that dish is, but it may be able to be do it in a pot on low heat on the range.

Answer 6

Depending on how much soup you're making, you can use a regular saucepan or any big pot. :)

Answer 7

Dont really need to but for best flavor and taste u probably should; OR just use a regular oen.