Dutch Ovens

A modern Dutch oven is a heavy pot, usually made of cast iron, with a flat bottom and a close-fitting lid. The cast iron contributes to even cooking, while the heavy lid seals in moisture. Standard stove-top ones are in the range of 10 inches wide, and about 5 inches tall. They are usually wider than they are tall. They tend to have a capacity of 4 quarts or more. Dutch Ovens are often used in homes for braising, stewing, and making large batches of saucy dishes like chili, and reached for when large quantities of pasta or potatoes need to be boiled.