Cooking TipsTips For Using Your Dutch Oven
I love Dutch ovens as there is such a lot you can do with it. It is perfect to use in the oven on the stove and even over an open fire. In South Africa we use a pot, very similar to a Dutch oven, to make what we call a "potjie."
I have to admit it is very similar to a stew, but because it is made using different methods, it tastes completely different. I thought I will tell you how we do it.
The very first thing you do is heat a little olive oil in your pot. Then you brown some chopped onions in it. Remove the onions and brown your meat. The meat can be lamb, beef or chicken, but it must have the bone in it.
When the meat is brown, you add the onions and some stock. At this stage you let your food simmer until the meat is half cooked. The time will all depend on the meat you have but you will not get it done in less than one hour.
In the meantime you can get your potatoes ready. You can use as many or as few as you like it all depends on your taste. I like a lot of potatoes as it gives the meal a really good taste. Add the potatoes to the meat and add a little more stock if needed.
The big secret here is never to stir your pot. You have to simmer it over very low heat and make sure the fluid is enough.
Once the potatoes are about halfway cooked you add the other veggies you want to use. Traditionally we will add carrots, patty pans, broccoli, beans and tomato. I always add a little tomato paste as well as I enjoy food with a strong tomato base.
Right through the process you add salt, pepper and the other herbs and spices you prefer. It is best to add it with each layer as you go otherwise you will find that the seasoning is not cooked through properly.
As you can see this is not a recipe. It is only and indication of how you can make a traditional South African "potjie" in your Dutch oven. Try it, after a few times you will get it. We make it over an open fire but you can make it on gas as well.