Dutch Oven Outdoor Cooking

The Dutch oven is a mainstay on any camping equipment list. Although heavier than most cooking equipment, a Dutch oven can be handy: it has a heavy, tight lid that can ensure good cooking over an open flame. Dutch ovens can be used to cook different things, from stews and casseroles, to soups and meats out in the wilderness. With some vegetables, water, meat, and basic seasonings, the Dutch oven can help make your camping trip or cookout a great experience.

There are different kinds of Dutch ovens. The cowboy version has three legs coming out of the metal pot, a wire handle, and a lid with a rim that allows you to place coals on top of the Dutch oven. This allows heat to be dispersed widely and evenly through the pot, making it function as an oven.

Today's Dutch ovens can be used not only on a campfire, but in the oven, or on top of the stove. Modern versions of the cast iron or aluminum Dutch oven will usually be glazed and smooth, will be composed of ceramic or aluminum, and will have one or two handles. In some countries, these Dutch ovens are referred to as casserole dishes.

In general, because of their make and material, Dutch ovens are designed to cook food for a long time, and slowly. Using a Dutch oven is advisable if you are making a stew with meat cuts that are tough; or if you are preparing a roast with meat cuts that are hard to chew or season to softness. If you are using a Dutch oven over an open flame or campfire, you can choose the models with tight-fitting lids to bake cakes, pies, and even pizzas.

Large Dutch ovens can give you more versatility. You can place a smaller pan inside it, and cook two or three batches of bread or cake. To distribute the heat faster, you can stack Dutch ovens one on top of the other. This can save cooking time as well.

Because the Dutch oven comes into contact with open flame, it can be easily covered with soot or damaged by ash. As a result, Dutch ovens, like other wares made of cast iron, are seasoned first. This means that they shouldn't be used with acidic foods, as these can destroy the fresh seasoning. Freshly seasoned Dutch ovens are often used to cook high-fat foods such as bacon or sausage.

These are only a few handy facts about Dutch ovens. For more information, do research, and experiment! A Dutch oven can be a great companion for a hiking or camping trip.