Forget about CrockPots — the Dutch oven is the OG of slow-cooking kitchen tools, and it’s a lot more versatile than anything you have to plug into the wall. Because of their thick walls and bottoms, these heavy-lidded cast-iron pots conduct heat evenly even at low temperatures, making them ideal for cooking over an open campfire, simmering spicy chili on the stove top, and baking bread in the oven. But what you might not expect is that they’re great at coaxing out deep flavors and meltingly tender textures from vegetarian recipes too. These 21 meatless recipes will convince you to add a Dutch oven to your kitchen cabinet.
What You Need
Dutch ovens are a kitchen essential you'll use again and again. They come in different sizes and can be beautiful enough to leave on your stovetop. This adorable limited edition set from Great Jones x Laura Chautin Dutch Oven is our new favorite! They are heavy too, another reason you might not want to stow away but also why they make your food taste so good. Other brands to try are Le Creuset, Staub, and Caraway.
20 Dutch Oven Recipes To Try
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A few caring instructions before you start cooking! Avoid using harsh abrasives or metal utensils on your naturally non-stick oven. Wash by hand using a soft sponge or brush and mild soap. Dry well and keep lid slightly off when storing to keep your oven from rusting. Occasionally check the seasoning on a bare cast iron Dutch oven and re-season if needed!
Cauliflower Chili
Cauliflower lovers will enjoy the dish with a kick, made with pinto beans, poblano peppers and sweet potato. (via Crowded Kitchen)
Kale Pesto Pasta
Make a homemade pesto sauce in minutes with fresh tomatoes, and delicious feta cheese for a bursting-with-flavor pasta. (via Hello Little Home)
Vegan Potato Jackfruit Stew
This hearty stew is made with meaty jackfruit, carrot, smoky spices and tomatoes. Serve with toasty bread to mop up the delicious plant-based gravy. (via Veggie Society)
Mushroom and Lentil Bourguignon
Build amazing flavor in this classic dish with tomato paste and must-do wine reduction, then serve with mashed gold potatoes, sweet potatoes, or noodles for a divine dinner! (via Chef Bai)
One Pot Brothy Beans
Comfort food in one pot -- make the brothy beans with white beans, herbs, and a few spices that are slow-cooked for 1-2 hours. You'll want to eat up this creamy spiced beans and broth for lunch or dinner! (via Munching With Mariyah)
Ratatouille
Italian Orzo Spinach Soup
Fresh Corn and Zucchini Chowder
Campfire Nachos
Baked Risotto With Squash, Mushrooms, and Sage
Chickpea and Potato Curry
One-Pot Veggie Pasta
On nights when you don’t have the bandwidth to cook a complicated meal, you can always count on one-pot pasta. The starch from the pasta thickens the cooking liquid into a silky sauce, and a sprinkle of fontina cheese on top makes the whole dish taste decadent. (via Yin and Yolk)
Italian Rice and Beans Soup
Dried beans get deliciously tender when they’re cooked low and slow in your Dutch oven. Along with Arborio rice, they make each bite of this Italian soup super creamy. (via Philos Kitchen)
Dutch Oven Potato Chilaquiles
Vegan Pasta e Fagioli Soup
Tahini and Root Vegetable Stew
Lentil Soup
Oven Baked Whole Roasted Cauliflower
Lentil Bolognese Stuffed Cabbage Rolls
Robust lentil bolognese makes a flavorful filling for these cabbage rolls that are cooked until spoon-tender in a Dutch oven. (via The Mostly Vegan)
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Hero image: Chef Bai