Dutch Oven Rice

A cast iron Dutch oven is among the popular options for cooking rice, which helps the heat spread evenly throughout the pot, giving you consistent cooking and uniform texture. Here is everything you should know about cooking rice in a cast iron Dutch oven!

• Dutch Oven Uses: Things You Don’t Know

How to Cook Rice in a Cast Iron Dutch Oven 

Why cook rice in the oven? 

Cooking rice in the oven offers several advantages over other methods, including: 

• Even heat distribution: The heat is evenly distributed throughout the pot to ensure each rice grain uniformly cooks. 
• Convenient cooking: You don’t need to constantly monitor or stir the rice as you should do on the stovetop. 
• Reduced risk of burning: Cook rice on the stovetop can stick rice to the bottom of the pot and burn. But in the oven, the risk is minimized because of the evenly distributed heat.
• Cook in large quantities: Cooking rice in the oven makes it convenient for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week. 

Choosing a Dutch Oven Size for cooking rice 

A Dutch oven with a 4-6 quart capacity is a common size to cook for an average-sized family. But the ideal Dutch oven size for cooking rice depends on the quantity of rice you cook and the space required for the rice to expand during cooking. Below is the guideline to help you choose the right size Dutch oven:

• Determine the rice consumption: For example, for 2 cups of uncooked rice, choose a Dutch oven with a 4-6 quart capacity.
• Account for rice expansion: Rice expands double or even triple in volume during cooking. Make sure to choose the piot size with enough space to accommodate the rice without overflowing or spilling during cooking.
• Allow for additional ingredients: If you prefer to add other ingredients to your rice, such as vegetables and proteins, choose the extra space needed for a Dutch oven.
• Future needs: Besides cooking rice, you may want to utilize a Dutch oven for other cooking purposes, such as making stews or soups. So consider choosing a larger size that can fit comfortably.

Dutch oven rice recipes 

Below is the guideline for cook rice using a cast iron Dutch oven:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup rice 
• 1.5-2 cups of water 
• A pinch of salt (optional)
• 1-2 tablespoons of cooking oil or butter

Instructions:

• Prepare the rice: Rinse the rice under water to remove the starch left and ensure fluffier rice.
• Heat a Dutch oven: Preheat the cast iron Dutch oven on the stovetop for 3-5 minutes at medium heat.
• Add cooking oil or butter: When a Dutch oven is hot, add 1-2 tablespoons of cooking oil or butter to the pot’s surface to prevent the rice’s sticking.
• Sauté the rice (optional): For those who prefer to have the extra flavor of the rice, add sauté to enhance the taste. Once you add the rinsed rice to the hot oil, stir it gently. 
• Add water and salt: Pour the proper water into the pot. The recommended ratio is 1 cup of rice to 1.5 cups of water. You can add salt if you prefer.
• Increase to a boil: Turn the heat to a high temperature, 375-400°F (190-205°C) and cook for 10 minutes, bringing the water to a rolling boil.
• Reduce heat: When the water boils, lower the heat to 140-160°F (60-70°C) and use a tight-fitting lid to cover a Dutch oven to prevent steam from escaping.
• Simmer the rice: Cook the rice on low heat, 140-160°F (60-70°C) for the recommended cooking time, typically noted on the rice packaging. Different varieties may have other cooking times, e.g., 15-20 minutes for white rice or 40-45 minutes for brown rice.
• Let it cool down: After completing cooking, turn off the heat and let the rice rest with a lid for 5-10 minutes. This resting allows the steam to distribute evenly throughout the rice, resulting in fluffy grains. If your Dutch oven lid does not fit tightly, place aluminum foil over the pot before covering it to create a better seal.
• Fluff and serve: Fluff the rice gently with a fork to separate the grains. Serve and enjoy it with your delicious dish.

Refer to the video below to visualize the process.

STAUB – How to cook rice with La Cocotte

FAQ relate to Dutch Oven Rice 

Why do people put rice in water before cooking? 

Putting rice in water before cooking can remove starch on its surface. This prevents the rice from getting sticky or clumping together during cooking. Furthermore, rinsing washes away impurities, dust, or debris on the grains.

How do you get burnt rice out of a Dutch oven?

Here are steps you can follow to get burnt rice out of the bottom of your Dutch oven:

• Let a Dutch oven cool down before cleaning it. Use a wooden spatula to remove burnt rice gently. But avoid scraping the pot’s surface, especially for those that have an enamel coating.
• Soak a Dutch oven with warm water for at least 30 minutes to loosen the burnt rice, making removing it easier.
• Mix baking soda with a small amount of water. Apply it to the burnt areas and rest for 15-20 minutes. Next, gently scrub the burnt rice with a soft sponge or non-abrasive scrubber.

What is the most efficient way of cooking rice?

A rice cooker is the most efficient way of cooking rice, with precise temperature control and automated settings. Add the rice and water to the cookware, press a button, and let it do the rest. Once the rice is well-cooked, it will automatically switch to a “keep warm” mode.

How do you make rice not sticky and fluffy? 

To make rice not sticky and fluffy, refer to these tips:

• Rinse the rice
• Follow the proper rice-to-water ratio for the type of rice you are cooking. 
• Soaking the rice before cooking for 15-30 minutes.
• Increase the heat gradually.
• Avoid stirring while cooking.

A cast iron Dutch oven is an ideal choice for rice cooking with the advantages of even heat distribution, versatility, and superior heat retention. But remember to follow special care and maintenance of the manufacturer to preserve its seasoning and ensure life long. 

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