When it comes to kitchenware, there’s a new must-have on the block every other month. People believe you need to have the latest cooking equipment to make a dish. However, in reality, some of the tried and tested equipment, like the CampMaid Dutch oven, is all you need to make a delicious meal. A Dutch oven is a sturdy pot that can help both a seasoned chef and a beginner make the best meal possible.
Although Dutch ovens have been around for hundreds and thousands of years, however, it’s becoming increasingly popular today, and for a good reason. They’re versatile, efficient, and easy to use. Dutch ovens wouldn’t be so popular if not for their qualities that make cooking easier for everyone. Not only that but Dutch ovens can be used for various recipes on multiple occasions. They can be used for stews and soups at home, bread and poaching chicken, and they are also handy outdoor cooking essentials that you can take with you on camping trips.
If you need a new Dutch oven but aren’t sure where to start, we’re here to help! We’ve put together a comprehensive guide to help you learn about Dutch ovens and why you need to have one!
What are Dutch Ovens?
Dutch ovens are used in household kitchens and as outdoor cooking equipment for camping and hunting.
Good quality Dutch ovens are usually made of cast iron and are sturdy enough to withstand high temperatures without getting damaged. The thick base and the lodge cast iron lid make the internal temperature stable, making the Dutch oven perfect for cooking dishes like steak. They also come in various colors and can be decorated with designs to make them more fun to use.
Dutch ovens originated in the Netherlands in the 16th century when European explorers traveled to Southeast Asia and began trading goods with the natives. The native used large pots to cook their meals, and the European traders also started using these pots for cooking. Eventually, the pots became very popular in Europe and were used for cooking many dishes such as soups, casseroles, and stews.
Over time, the Dutch name for these cooking pots evolved into the English word, Dutch oven.
What Can You Do with Dutch Ovens?
Now that you know what a Dutch oven is, you’re probably wondering what exactly it is used for and what you can do with it. Well, the answer is pretty much anything! They are perfect for slow-cooking meat and vegetables at high temperatures to produce tender and delicious results. Use your Dutch Oven Tools Set to set up your Dutch oven near your campsite, and use it to make soup, chili, bacon potatoes with BBQ tri-tip steak, pork lumpia, and more! You can even use it to roast chicken. The possibilities are endless!
Recommended: Dutch Oven Camping Recipes
Which Dutch Oven Works Best For Me?
Size
When selecting a Dutch oven, it’s important to consider the size of your kitchen. If you’re in the market for a large Dutch oven that can be used for large groups of people when you go camping, you’ll need to look for a size that can hold at least 7–8 quarts. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a smaller Dutch oven for cooking single- or double-serving meals, look for one that holds no more than 3 quarts.
Enameled or not?
There are two common types of Dutch ovens. The coating on the inside of a cast iron dutch oven set prevents the meal from sticking to the bottom of the oven. Always use oil and season generously to prevent the dish from sticking. With an uncoated Dutch oven, you’ll need to be extra careful while washing and storing it to prevent the pot from rusting.
Why Do I Need One?
To Cook Pasta Quickly
With a Dutch oven, you wouldn’t need to get rid of the water before making the sauce, and you can make pasta directly and reduce the cooking time. The Dutch oven pot easily evaporates the water, so you can start the cooking process by using canned tomatoes, chicken broth, vegetables, and other ingredients of your choice.
Steaming Dishes
Instead of using a steamer, you can use a Dutch oven to steam your side dishes. All you need to do is boil water in the pot and place a steamer basket with your choice of vegetables on top. You can steam broccoli, potato, green beans, carrots, cauliflower, asparagus, and more. The vegetables can be easily steamed without becoming soggy or losing their taste.
Making Stew and Soups
A Dutch oven is the most popular kitchenware used for making soup and stew. Cooking stew and soup requires a lot of time and a specific cooking technique. Using a Dutch oven, you can easily increase or lower the flame to achieve a thick and rich texture stew.
Baking
Baking goods are traditionally baked in rectangular cake pans. However, you can also make all your favorite baking items using a Dutch Oven Tools Set. Whether you want to bake a cake, pizza, or a loaf of bread, line the bottom with parchment paper before adding the batter or dough. This will ensure that your baked goods don’t stick to the bottom and come out perfectly!
If you’re looking for outdoor cooking equipment for camping, consider buying a Dutch oven that you can use to cook all kinds of dishes. CampMaid offers reliable and high-quality tools like charcoal holders, cast-iron grill accessories, lodge lid lifters, kickstands, skillets, and Dutch oven sets.
Reach out to them to place an order or read their clients’ rave reviews by visiting their Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube channels!
About The Author
Kim Fox is a blogger, travel enthusiast, and self-taught chef. She loves to write blogs about traveling and delicious, easy-to-follow recipes that people on a camping or hunting trip can follow. She has used CampMaid’s Dutch oven multiple times and is a huge fan of the brand’s cast-iron Dutch oven because of its efficiency and versatility!
