Iron workhorse...The Dutch Oven

Jace

Jace

Well-known Member
The Dutch Oven is a 'jack-of-all-trades' in the kitchen.

These large lidded pots--the classic versions are made of cast iron
with a glazed ceramic coating-- can be used on the stove or in the oven,
at high or low heat, for fast or slow cooking..
And..look so attractive...are usually brought to the table to serve from.

I know that's how we(our family) did it.

I would think most women, our Mom(s) had them.

(P.S..I know some clever cook...will help me out with a picture.)
 

35 years ago, from a yard sale, a Cousance cast iron wok for $5.00. This is used ALMOST daily (and lives on the stove, not in the cupboard.) When ever it needs a "clean" it goes into the "self cleaning" oven - the high heat burns off all the "gunk" at the bottom and sides of the wok. I don't think I would try this on an enamel dutch oven.
 
Gave up on cast iron decades ago when I developed carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). I quickly started wearing an elastic wrist brace when on the computer so it never got much worse, thankfully. But the wrist is and always will be a little weaker than it should be, so I'm careful with it.
 
This was an example of the original Dutch oven...

Dutch-o-Saugus-M.gif
 
hollydolly said:
This was an example of the original Dutch oven...

Dutch-o-Saugus-M.gif
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Mine is similar to this but it's so heavy I don't use it often.

BC Flash said:
35 years ago, from a yard sale, a Cousance cast iron wok for $5.00. This is used ALMOST daily (and lives on the stove, not in the cupboard.) When ever it needs a "clean" it goes into the "self cleaning" oven - the high heat burns off all the "gunk" at the bottom and sides of the wok. I don't think I would try this on an enamel dutch oven.
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That would be a good option.
 
Jace said:
The Dutch Oven is a 'jack-of-all-trades' in the kitchen.
Click to expand...
I do most of my cooking in these.

Picture below of one, in purple and gold, the LSU school colors. I also have a couple of black ones for outdoor use on a fire. One with a lid that will hold coals, it has legs, like @hollydolly 's picture, but not so long. And one that hangs over the fire on a chain.

Do the Dutch use them much?
IMG_3372.jpg
 
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@Alligatorob ...Interesting, that apparently the Dutch Oven is from England originally... I didn't know that ..

The Cast Iron Dutch Oven Is Actually From England​


When Darby returned from The Netherlands, he set about working on his own version of the sand-molding technology. In 1707, he patented a design for a cast iron cooking pot that he named the “Dutch oven.” Soon, industrial-scale production began, and the rest is history.

Full story here.. https://kanalifestyle.com/blogs/tips-tricks/why-is-it-called-a-dutch-oven
 
I have a 5-quart round magnalite, (2) 7-quart oval magnalite dutch, a 2-quart Le Creuset & a 13-quart Le Creuset. I also have several sizes of the Lodge round dutch ovens w/legs for campfire cooking. I cook a lot with the 7-quarts, use the 5-quart for bread & the 2-quart for baked beans as it's the right size. I wouldn't give these up for nothing.
 
Mine has legs and I am skittish about the weight around my glass stovetop. I have gone back and forth on buying one. I know I'd use it if only in the oven. The one we have with legs was more for camping over a fire.
If I can find a second hand one I might do it but can't justify it for two people.
 
Lilac said:
I have a 5-quart round magnalite, (2) 7-quart oval magnalite dutch, a 2-quart Le Creuset & a 13-quart Le Creuset. I also have several sizes of the Lodge round dutch ovens w/legs for campfire cooking. I cook a lot with the 7-quarts, use the 5-quart for bread & the 2-quart for baked beans as it's the right size. I wouldn't give these up for nothing.
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You sound like a serious cook, Lilac... :giggle: creusets are lovely..we have a Le Creuset store in the mall not far from where I live.. such beautiful things. However they can do a lot of damage if dropped, my friend dropped hers on the kitchen tiles, and smashed the flooring..
 
Lilac said:
I have a 5-quart round magnalite, (2) 7-quart oval magnalite dutch, a 2-quart Le Creuset & a 13-quart Le Creuset. I also have several sizes of the Lodge round dutch ovens w/legs for campfire cooking. I cook a lot with the 7-quarts, use the 5-quart for bread & the 2-quart for baked beans as it's the right size. I wouldn't give these up for nothing.
Click to expand...
Oh, TWO quart!
 
Hearlady, Le Creuset makes different sizes if you want an enameled one. You need to be careful not to scratch or burn food in these. They cook beautifully. Magnalite (XXX ) has different sizes made out of cast aluminum & they are easy keepers. I use mine a lot. Lodge Cast Iron makes seasoned cast iron in different sizes, but you need to keep them seasoned just like cast iron skillets. The enameled Lodge I don't like since they are from China for some reason. I worry about lead in the enamel.

I've never used a glass cooktop, but heard you have to watch the weight & rough bottom cookware. Your best option may be the Magnalite because it's lighter.

Holly, I have two stores about an hour from me that sells them & I love to look at what they have when I'm in the area. As far as the weight, it would most likely land on my foot first, LOL. Two of my magnalites I inherited from my Mom.
 
I love mine but would like to get a smaller one, now that I am alone, I don't cook in large quantities all the time. I did get my Mom's stainless steel waterless cookware when she passed. It also does a great job for many different things. There are a couple of small pans and skillets that are perfect for a serving or two.
 
Hearlady ... I found this on Lodge website: Lodge is safe for use on various heat sources, including glass-top stoves. Simply handle with care on the stovetop — do not slide, and always remove from the stovetop after cooking.

Hope it helps.
 
Lilac said:
Hearlady ... I found this on Lodge website: Lodge is safe for use on various heat sources, including glass-top stoves. Simply handle with care on the stovetop — do not slide, and always remove from the stovetop after cooking.

Hope it helps.
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I use mine on a glass cooktop, I also use a small cast iron skillet on it. I am careful, they are heavy. The big dutch oven is really good for starting on a cooktop, then moving to the oven. I like to sear a roast stove top, then move to the oven for low and slow. I do a lot of soups stove top, works great!
 
Blessed said:
I use mine on a glass cooktop, I also use a small cast iron skillet on it. I am careful, they are heavy. The big dutch oven is really good for starting on a cooktop, then moving to the oven. I like to sear a roast stove top, then move to the oven for low and slow. I do a lot of soups stove top, works great!
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I do use flat bottomed cast iron. They're not too heavy though. You all are really making me want a dutch oven.😊
 

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