Dutch Oven Delights is a guide to cooking with Dutch ovens over an open flame. To cook outdoors, you’ll need a good quality Dutch oven made of either cast iron or cast aluminum, charcoal briquettes, a lid-lifter or heavy-duty tongs, oven mitts or gloves, and a trivet or several rocks for heat management. Dutch ovens can be used to create all kinds of delicious meals. The book offers recipes for one pot chicken and rice, campfire Dutch oven chili, Dutch oven apple crisp, and suggestions for cleaning your Dutch oven after use.
Dutch Oven Delights: Savory Recipes for Campfire Cooking
Cooking outdoors over an open flame can be one of the most enjoyable experiences. However, the concept of campfire cooking can seem intimidating to beginners. That’s where the trusty Dutch oven comes in- this versatile piece of cookware can be used to create all kinds of delicious meals. So gather around the fire and get ready to learn some tips and tricks for cooking up some Dutch oven delights.
The Basics
Before diving into recipes, it’s important to understand the basics of Dutch oven cooking. You’ll need the following:
– A good quality Dutch oven made of either cast iron or cast aluminum.
– Charcoal briquettes.
– A lid-lifter or heavy-duty tongs to remove the hot lid.
– Oven mitts or heavy-duty gloves.
– A trivet or several rocks for heat management.
Choosing Your Dutch Oven
When selecting a Dutch oven, there are a few things to consider.
Firstly, think about what size you’ll need- a 10-12 inch Dutch oven is perfect for most recipes. A smaller one could be more appropriate if you’re cooking for two, while a larger one may be necessary if you’re feeding a crowd.
Secondly, consider the material of your Dutch oven. Cast iron is the most common material, and for good reason- it offers excellent heat retention and durability. Cast aluminum offers similar benefits, but is lighter in weight.
Charcoal and Heat Management
Dutch oven cooking requires the use of charcoal briquettes. The general rule of thumb is to use twice as many briquettes as the size of your Dutch oven. For example, if you’re cooking in a 12 inch Dutch oven, you’ll need 24 briquettes.
Heat management is also important to ensure your food cooks evenly. To create a warm environment in your Dutch oven, you’ll need to arrange your briquettes in a “ring” around the outside of the Dutch oven, and several in the center (on top of the lid). A trivet or several rocks can also be used to adjust the distance between the bottom of the pot and the heat source.
Recipes
Now that you’ve got the basics down, it’s time to start cooking! Here are some delicious recipes to get you started:
One Pot Chicken and Rice
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups uncooked rice
– 2 1/2 cups chicken broth
– 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, chopped
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– 1 tsp cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
Instructions:
1. In your Dutch oven, combine the rice, chicken broth, chicken, onion, garlic, bell pepper, oregano, and cumin. Stir well.
2. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Cover and cook for 35-40 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the chicken is tender.
4. Sprinkle with chopped cilantro before serving.
Campfire Dutch Oven Chili
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 can kidney beans, drained
– 1 can black beans, drained
– 1 can diced tomatoes
– 2 Tbsp tomato paste
– 1 Tbsp chili powder
– 1 tsp cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Shredded cheese and chopped green onions for topping
Instructions:
1. Brown the ground beef in your Dutch oven over the fire.
2. Add the onion and garlic and cook for a few more minutes.
3. Add the beans, tomatoes, tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, and season with salt and pepper.
4. Stir well, and simmer for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Serve with shredded cheese and chopped green onions on top.
Dutch Oven Apple Crisp
Ingredients:
– 6 cups sliced apples
– 1/2 cup flour
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1/2 cup rolled oats
– 1 tsp cinnamon
– 1/2 tsp nutmeg
– 1/2 cup butter or margarine
Instructions:
1. Spread the sliced apples in the bottom of your Dutch oven.
2. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, rolled oats, cinnamon, nutmeg, and butter. Mix until crumbly.
3. Sprinkle the crumb mixture over the apples.
4. Cover and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender.
5. Serve warm, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top.
Clean Up
Cleaning your Dutch oven after use is important to keep it in good condition. Once the Dutch oven has cooled, scrape out any remaining food or residue. Avoid using soap, as it can remove the seasoning from the cast iron. Instead, use hot water and a scrub brush or sponge to clean the inside of the pot. Rinse well and dry completely before storing.
Final Thoughts
Dutch oven cooking can be a fun and delicious way to cook outdoors. With a little practice, you’ll be whipping up savory meals and desserts that will have everyone asking for seconds. So, pick up a Dutch oven, gather some charcoal, and get ready to create some tasty campfire memories.