Dutch Oven Cooking Brings Back Pioneer Days

Over the generations Dutch oven cooking came close to being a lost art, but a recent revival has brought renewed popularity to this one-pot method of meal preparation. Being able to cook roasts, bake bread and create sweet desserts all in one covered metal pot is suddenly appealing.

Dutch oven cooking requires, in addition to a Dutch oven, a little understanding of how they work to be able to use one to achieve the desired effects of a great tasting meal. Whether you are cooking a roast or baking bread, it is all done over an open fire, which makes Dutch oven cooking idea for camping in the wild without the benefit of a restaurant near the motel.

When thinking about starting Dutch oven cooking you will want a quality Dutch oven, and the debate continues on whether cast iron or aluminum is best. There are pros and cons to each with cast iron offering a more even heat as well as holding the heat better while aluminum is easier to clean and weighs considerably less. However, whether you choose aluminum or cast iron, you will want one with legs to keep the bottom from sitting on the fire or charcoal.

Use Right Number Of Coals For Cooking

Dutch oven cooking requires coals to be placed under and on the oven, to evenly distribute heat throughout the interior and how many coals you use will determine the temperature of the oven as well as cooking times. There is a general rule of two that can be followed regardless of the size of the Dutch oven.

Coals the size of charcoal briquettes or briquettes can be figured as diameter minus two go underneath and the diameter plus two go on top. For example, a 12-inch Dutch oven will need 10 briquettes under the oven and 14 briquettes on top. This will maintain an interior temperature of about 350 degrees as long as the coals are hot when placed. Virtually any baked item can be baked at 350 degrees, making Dutch oven cooking quite simple.

Once you have a new Dutch oven or have reconditioned a used one, you will want to treat it as though it is coated with a non-stick finish. Once you have cured the oven, metal utensils will scrape off the curing and your food will stick to the interior. Many recommend turning the over upside down and burning out any food stuck to the inside and cleaning with hot soap and water before using it for Dutch oven cooking in the future.