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Last Updated on December 8, 2023
Dutch oven paleo recipes are constantly gaining popularity and it is very easy to understand why since they are healthy and delicious. The problem is most people do not actually know how to use the Dutch oven pots properly. Fortunately, the following tips will help you to get the results you always expected.
Dutch Oven Cooking Tips
Here are nine of our favourite Dutch Oven cooking tips, ensuring you can easily tackle paleo recipes of all sizes. From using its tight-fitting lid to making the most of its versatility on the stovetop or in the oven, the Dutch Oven accommodates.
Be Careful Of The Order
When compared to the slow cooker, the Dutch Oven has a huge advantage in the fact that layers of flavors can be created. This is why one of the biggest mistakes you could make is to toss vegetables and meat in at the exact same time, together with liquid components. When you put in the ingredients at the right time, your dish will end up tasting so much better.
Trap Steam Inside The Dutch Oven
Several Dutch Oven paleo recipes require you to cook food uncovered. Examples can be given in sauce reductions and pasta. But, when you want to braise meat, make sure to use the lid. Even keeping the Dutch Oven pot partially covered is a huge difference. Lids trap steam. As a result, your braised food will remain tender during cooking. If your meat does not end up really tender, it is most likely because of not using the lid.
Use Flavorful Liquids When Cooking
Braised dishes, stews, and soup recipes turn out great in Dutch Ovens because of concentrated flavors. But, this only happens when using flavored liquids, not water. For instance, you can always use some wine when you cook chicken dishes. You can add some beer to chili and homemade chicken broth can be a great basis for that perfect paleo recipe. Just avoid water and look for a replacement.
Use Your Oven
Using the Dutch Oven is great because you can use it inside the oven or on your stovetop. And it is usually great to combine them too. Start your slowly-simmered dishes right, on your stovetop. After the liquid reaches the boiling point, move your Dutch Oven to the regular oven, at the right temperature. This makes the dish gently simmer and the result will simply taste a whole lot better.
Use Your Lid
Lids are obviously used when you cook your foods, as already highlighted above. But, they can also help after. Do not dirty another dish. Simply turn your lid upside down. This helps in holding seared meat. The truth is you need to wash the lid. So why not use it for an extra task and wash one dish less?
Dutch Ovens Can Bake Bread
When you use a home bread oven, the device keeps the loaf moist inside as the outside is crisp because of steam injection. Dutch Ovens can create something similar in terms of steam. Put the Dutch Oven on the middle rack. Then, use your lid to cover it as the oven preheats. After, just turn the dough. Return the lid and continue. This will bake a really tasty loaf of bread. And you should definitely experiment with as many paleo recipes as possible since there are many you will surely love.
Don’t Cook Just One Dish At Once
Obviously, this does not always work. However, your Dutch Oven can so easily be used to cook two dishes at the same time. Or, at least two parts of a more complicated dish. The lid can be used to trap the steam, as mentioned before. Use a steamer basket to steam vegetables right above simmering soups or braising meats. This actually helps both dishes to taste a whole lot better.
Do Not Avoid Using Oil
When you look at the enameled, shiny surface of the Dutch Oven, you are tempted to believe that you do not have to use oil. After all, the surface should be non-stick. However, this is not fully the case. It is highly recommended to use butter or oil in your Dutch Oven during cooking. If you do not do this, food will stick and you can so easily end up with burned food. As always, you can easily experiment with ingredients with your Dutch Oven.
Remember How Dutch Ovens Hold Heat
Dutch Oven are very good for cooking as they stay warm for a longer period of time than other options, right after removing it from flames. This is a property you absolutely have to take advantage of. Use your Dutch Oven pot as the serving vessel, not just as the cooking vessel.
Also, remember that your Dutch Oven can also be used as a cooler. . Use some ice water. Drain the water and then you can use the Dutch Oven pot to keep your cold dishes colder for longer, like a potato salad.
Let The Dutch Oven Cool
Last but not least, if you pour some cold water into a Dutch Oven pan that is hot, it will start to warp. A similar thing happens with the Dutch Oven. You can end up with a cracked pan, which is surely something you want to avoid. Fortunately, all you have to do is let your Dutch Oven cool. Only clean it after and you should be ok.
Using the Dutch Oven for Paleo Recipes
The Dutch Oven is among the most versatile pieces of cookware and is perfectly suited for preparing paleo recipes of all sizes. From slow-cooking and simmering to homemade bread recipes, this iconic piece of cookware has you covered. We hoped our Dutch Oven tips were helpful, ensuring you can make the most of this multi-purpose pot.
