Ina Garten Swears By the 5.5-Quart Le Creuset Dutch Oven

If you happen to’ve by no means regarded via Ina Garten’s “Ask Ina” web page, permit me to be the primary to let you know that you just’re lacking out. It’s a fantastic useful resource if in case you have cooking questions or need kitchen product suggestions. Although I spent years working in kitchens, I nonetheless test this web page repeatedly after I want inspiration or clarification. 

After one such search, I stumbled upon this submission: “I’m seeking to make my first Le Creuset Dutch oven buy. What measurement do you employ most frequently in your recipes?” I believed it was a superb query, and instantly clicked to see Garten’s reply. “I exploit the Le Creuset #26 Dutch oven extra typically than all the things else. It’s nice for soups, stews, and braising,” she replied. Curious, I dug a bit deeper and realized that the quantity 26 possible refers back to the model’s 5.5-quart Dutch oven, which is conveniently on sale at Amazon in cerise, shallot, flame, oyster, and licorice proper now.

Le Creuset 5.5-Quart Enameled Solid Iron Dutch Oven

I’ve owned this precise measurement and model for greater than three years, and may verify that Garten’s advice received’t lead you astray. In line with Le Creuset, an excellent rule of thumb when attempting to find the proper Dutch oven is to consider about 1 quart per serving. Which means that should you’re repeatedly feeding 4 folks, you want a pot with at the very least a 4-quart capability. However since I’m of the opinion that broth and pasta sauce are higher made in bulk and frozen, I’ve liked having the bigger 5.5-quart Dutch oven at my disposal. It’s not so massive that I can’t apply it to a random weeknight after I’m cooking for 2, but it surely’s nonetheless greater than enough after I’m simmering inventory for Thanksgiving dinner. This measurement can be nice should you prefer to have leftovers.

Garten and I aren’t alone in our love of this Dutch oven. One Amazon shopper mentioned that whereas they personal “a number of others,” 5.5 quarts is “good for nearly each meal.” And a second reviewer mentioned that it’s the best “all-around” measurement that’s “huge sufficient to simply use a spatula for flipping, but in addition tall sufficient to go all out on a pleasant chunky stew or bake an artisanal loaf of bread.” They went as far as to name it their “desert island” pot, a sentiment I wholeheartedly agree with. 

If you wish to begin cooking like Garten, now is among the finest probabilities you’ll should get her favourite Le Creuset Dutch oven for much less. It’s universally adored for a cause.    

Store Extra Dutch Ovens at Amazon 

Lodge 6-Quart Enameled Solid Iron Dutch Oven 

Martha Stewart Gatwick 7-Quart Enameled Solid Iron Dutch Oven 

Made In Cookware 5.5-Quart Enameled Solid Iron Dutch Oven

Caraway 6.5-Quart Enameled Solid Iron Dutch Oven 

Staub 7-Quart Spherical Solid Iron Spherical Cocotte

On the time of publishing, the worth began at $363.