A Dutch oven is a heavy and thick-walled cooking pot. It has been used for over 300 years and is still regarded as a essential cooking pot. But, not everyone has one. We give some other options which can be used instead of a Dutch oven.
Did You Know?
There is an “International Dutch Oven Society”, a non-profit organization, for people who love the Dutch oven. It works to preserve and promote the use this oven for cooking.
A Dutch oven is a thick-walled pot with a tight-fitting lid. It is available in a variety of materials like cast iron (enamel-coated or non-coated), stainless steel, aluminum, and even copper. The perfect lid cover is a savior which holds the moisture inside, thereby cooking the food slowly and perfectly. This cookware with an additional wire handle has been popularly used to cook food on campfires.
Nowadays, it is used for browning the meat and is considered to be ideal for making stews. The best part is that it can be used on the stove and in an oven too. When used in an oven, it spreads the heat evenly. But in case you don’t have a Dutch oven, here are some cooking pots that can be used as substitutes.
Best Alternatives to a Dutch Oven
Casserole Dish
This is a large and deep dish which is ideal for cooking in an oven and to also to serve food in it. This can act as a great substitute as long as you have a tight-fitting lid. It is best to use it for baked dishes which do not require browning. It is not ideal for sauteing or roasting, so you’ll have to do that in a pan and then cook it in the casserole. One precaution that you may have to take is to check the range of temperatures permissible according to the material of the casserole.
Crock Pot/Slow Cooker
This is a great option because it will allow many hours of unattended cooking. This pot should be used for dishes where cooking at low temperatures are needed, especially for braising, stews, pot roast, and some desserts. It is very similar to a Dutch oven, the only difference being the time required to cook is longer. But, the resulting taste and tenderness is worth it. Similarly, a clay pot can be used in some recipes, but you have to use a heat diffuser between the heat source and the pot.
Frying/Roasting Pan
Both cookware can be used in different recipes, and yes, a lid is compulsory. These can be used only for those recipes that do not involve any baking. They become great alternatives because you can brown and simmer in the same vessel. First start browning and then add the other necessary ingredients. Just end by simmering on a low flame, which will make everything tender and perfect.
In short, any cookware with a tight-fitting lid can act as a substitute for a Dutch oven. Sometimes, a simple skillet with a lid can be useful too. Best of luck and keep cooking!