How do I cook with a Dutch Oven?

Question

I really must apologize straight away because this is an incredibly stupid question.

I was reading a magazine that features a woman who cooks meals whose healthy recipes are designed for those with MS. She makes them all in a Dutch Oven, though - an item I've never heard of.

I've been looking at Dutch Ovens on eBay and in MANY of the ads they say things like "you can use on stove top and in freezer." They do not, however, point out specifically that it can be used INSIDE an oven.

The chef who wrote the article cooks all of her meals in a Dutch Oven IN her oven.

I can cook in a Dutch Oven IN my oven, right?

They're very expensive so I have to make the right choices here.

Thank you!!!

Answer 1

A dutch oven is a heavy duty (metal) casserole dish with a lid. It can be used on the stove or oven, and can be put in the refrigerator or freezer. So you can sear off stew meat or a roast on the stove before putting it in the oven (in the same pan), or use if for meats and stews that go directly in the oven, or use it stove top to make a soup. A good one may be expensive, but they're versatile.

And a note to L2C -- you're thinking of a double boiler.

Answer 2

The Dutch ovens I am familiar with were made to cook on an open fire or fireplace when no enclosed oven was available. They are really iron pots with iron lids. The lids are recessed like a pan. The dinner, often stew with a raw biscuit layer on top is prepared in the lower pot. The pot is placed directly and just above the embers of the fire. The recessed lid is placed on top and filled with more hot coals. This provides a baking area where heat is above and below the food.
I have made delicious fruit cobblers in Dutch ovens while on camping trips.
Why someone would prefer this to other forms of cooking which are far easier (like using a conventional oven with a thermostat), I can not imagine.
There is nothing to preclude you from using a Dutch Oven in your oven. It is just a large iron pot with a heavy lid. But I prefer tempered glass or a lighter metal.
P.S.: Dutch oven may be an ethnic slur like Dutch treat or Dutch uncle. They imply that something less than adequate or desirable are "Dutch".

Answer 3

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
How do I cook with a Dutch Oven?
I really must apologize straight away because this is an incredibly stupid question.

I was reading a magazine that features a woman who cooks meals whose healthy recipes are designed for those with MS. She makes them all in a Dutch Oven, though - an item I've never heard of.

I've...

Answer 4

A duch oven refers to a squat, heavy pan w/ sides and a tight-fitting lid. Yes, they should be able to go in the oven. Some knobs (like on Le Crueset) are safe up to 425ºF, others may be lower, or may have metal knobs.

Actually, Le Crueset calls theirs a "French Oven" b/c they're a French company. But they're the same as a dutch oven.

Answer 5

cook dutch oven

Answer 6

I thought dutch ovens were pans that fit inside each other and go on the stove but I could be wrong.

Answer 7

dutch ovens cook both on the top and bottom...usually you put them in a fire....put hotcoals on top...so you cook both ways...

its a really good way to cook.

Answer 8

Only Dutch Oven I know of is when you fart under the covers for your spouse to enjoy.