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My Dutch oven is one of my most worthful summations in the kitchen. I use it all year long, more or less more in the colder months. With my Dutch oven I prepare soups, stews, risottos and even bread. Of all the cookware in my kitchen this is the one I use closely each day. I have assorted Dutch ovens (of dissimilar dimensions, colors and manufacturers) and not so long ago I purchased a new Le Creuset Dutch oven (7-1/4 quart) and I made assorted dishes so far. Here is a list of my top 5 Le Creuset Dutch oven dishes. All these dishes require slow cooking on a medium to low heat setting. Here they are:

1. The No-Knead Bread: I’m utterly delighted by this bread recipe. It’s very easy to make and you get a loaf of light bread with a crusty crust. This is a hands-off recipe so your kitchen won’t get messy afterwards. You just mix 3 cups of all-purpose or bread flour, some instant yeast, a heap of salt and warm water (1 ½ cup). You mix it and leave it to rest for a while (12 to 18 hours). When the resting is over sprinkle with flour and fold the ends of the dough toward the center, leave it to rest for an hour and then place it in your Dutch oven, that you antecedently have heated in your oven at 450 F. Bake for 30 minutes with the lid on, and then uncover it and bake for another 15 – 30 minutes. And here is your fresh baked bread.

2. Minestrone: the minestrone or vegetable soup is one of my bestloved light dishes. It’s a great all year long dish because, depending on the fresh vegetables available on your local market, you may make a winter or summer vegetable soup. In my summer minestrone I use fresh carrots, peas, tomatoes, corn, spinach, green beans and cauliflower. My winter variation is heavier. I use again carrots, potatoes, beans, celery, leek or cabbage. Even even though I prefer fresh vegetables I from time to time use the frozen ones. The minestrone is great when you are on a diet because it’s low calories. I add a good deal of olive oil when the minestrone is already cooked for a great deal of further and added taste.

3. Stuffed artichokes: This is a great summer dish and it’s a great appetizer. This is a very easy recipe you just have to mix a cup of bread crumbs (not fresh but dry), chopped garlic and parsley, olive oil and parmesan cheese. Stuff the artichokes with the mixture. Before you do this cut of the artichoke’s pointed tops of the leaves and the stems. Place the stuffed artichokes in the Dutch oven and add sufficient water to cover the artichokes halfway. This recipe requires a higher heat setting in the beginning before you fetch to boil the artichokes, then lower the heat and cook for one hour. I use the same mixture for stuffing tomatoes as well (just cut the tomatoes in half, take the seed out and add the stuffing).

4. Lentils and bean soup: This is a outstanding winter dish that will warm you on the cold days. This is one of my favored soups. You just cook the lentils and beans with smoked meat and celery. You may add a whole potato for density and a carrot for further and added taste (and color). Add salt and pepper to taste. Sprinkle with chopped parsley when it’s over and you may add some olive oil as well. The Dutch ovens are idealisti for making lentil soups because they use medium or low temperatures, preventing the lentils from overcooking.

5. Spinach risotto: this is unquestionably one of my all time favorites. I commonly make it using fresh spinach but you may use the frozen one as well. I use the following ingredients: butter, pancetta, onion, garlic, Arborio rice, spinach, Parmesan cheese, white wine and chicken stock. You warm the butter and fry 1/ cup of chopped onions. When the onions are golden add 1/4 lb. smoked pancetta, fry it for a while (without burning it) and add a cup of rice. Afterwards add the wine, let it evaporate and then add 1/4 chopped fresh spinach and the chicken stock, salt and pepper to taste. At the end add the Parmesan cheese. You may sprinkle a good deal of more cheese on the served risotto.

Dutch Oven Cookware Picture

Dutch Oven Cookware Pic

Dutch Oven Cookware Photo

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715 of 719 people found the following review helpful.
Le Creuset on a budget
By N. Lafond
Enamel on cast iron cookware like this, was, until recently, only available from makers like Le Creuset. Lately, several lower cost makers have come on the scene, like Target and Innova. The new budget priced Lodge cookware is in the same price range as the low cost alternatives but completely out performs them.

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