Define a dutch oven

[L_77]

Hi - can someone tell me what defines a dutch oven? And also, maybe when they are generally used? Thanks!!!

Lisa :confused:

[knunes]

A Dutch oven is a big saucepan with a handle on each side. They are sually about 4-6 quarts, and are not as tall as a "stockpot" (which is usually 8-10 qts.), but are definitely bigger than the typical 1 and 2 quart saucepans that have one long handle on one side. You use it for anything that needs a big tall saucepan.....boiling water for pasta, making risotto, making soup (when it's not a huge quantity), chili, etc.

[L_77]

Thank you! As you can tell, I'm a beginner. My mom has a dutch oven, but I've never understood why recipes called for them.... thanks. :)

[Kay Henderson]

First off, welcome to the Boards!

Dutch ovens have an interesting history. For more information (maybe more than you want to know?), here's a link:

http://www.chuckwagonsupply.com/history.htm

Historically, they had legs so that the pot could be set over a fire. The cover of this type was also recessed so that coals could be put on the top. As a thick (often cast iron) covered vessel with heat at the top and the bottom, it could be used to make many things (such as certain types of breads) which otherwise would require an oven. This type of Dutch oven is still available today in camping stores for that use.

Fast forward to modern kitchens! Dutch ovens are often part of a set of pots and pans with the cover also fitting a fry pan. One thing I find useful about any I have used (as opposed to some of the covered casseroles and pans with fancy handles) is that they can be used BOTH on top of the stove and in the oven, which makes them very handy for one pot cooking of stews, pot roasts, etc. in which the meat needs to be browned, liquid and other ingredients added, and then cooked in the oven.

[avariell]

so what's the difference between a french oven and a dutch oven? :)

[sneezles]

Originally posted by avariell
so what's the difference between a french oven and a dutch oven? :)

Nothing, it's just that Le Crueset is made in France and they must have an aversion to the Dutch! :p