Designed for generations of durability, the Le Creuset Dutch Oven is an essential cooking pot for home cooks and professional chefs alike. Its everyday versatility makes it perfect for everything from slow-cooking and braising to roasting, frying, baking and much more.

Features

• Colorful exterior enamel is shock-resistant to prevent chipping and cracking
• Sand-colored interior enamel has a smooth finish that promotes caramelization, prevents sticking and resists stains
• Dome-shaped lid locks in flavor by promoting continuous circulation of heat and moisture
• Wide loop handles provide a safe and comfortable grip
• Signature black phenolic knob is oven-safe up to 500°F
• Stainless steel knob is safe at any oven temperature
• No seasoning required
• The lightest weight per quart of any premium cast iron cookware available
• Dimensions: 19″ long with handles, 12 1/2″ wide, 9 1/4″ tall with lid
• Capacity: 15.5-qt
• Compatible with Gas, Electric, Ceramic, Halogen, Induction, Oven
• Dishwasher safe
• Lifetime warranty
• Made in France

Recipe

Coq Au Vin

INGREDIENTS 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 2 cups chopped bacon 1 medium onion, chopped two 4 1/2-pound chickens, each cut into 8 pieces 5 tablespoons brandy A few sprigs of fresh thyme, rosemary and parsley 2 bay leaves 3 garlic cloves, crushed 1 tablespoon tomato paste 1 tablespoon lemon juice 1 tablespoon sugar 1 bottle full-bodied, dry red wine 2 tablespoons chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley, to garnish For the glazed shallots and mushrooms 1 tablespoon butter 2 tablespoons olive oil 12 ounces shallots 12 ounces button mushrooms, cleaned For the burre manie 2 tablespoons butter, softened 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

INSTRUCTIONS

There are many versions of this classic French dish, most cooked in a full-bodied red wine. However, the main ingredient is always the cockerel, which has, hopefully, lived its life scratching around the farm and fields before joining the pot. Few of us, unfortunately, have access to these full-flavored birds, so always use a good-quality chicken.

Heat the oil in the Dutch oven over medium heat on the stovetop. Add the bacon and onion and cook, stirring, until both are softened and then remove, draining well.

Fry the chicken in batches until all the pieces are evenly browned, then return them all to the pan with the bacon and onion. Remove the Dutch oven from the heat and add the brandy. Carefully ignite, standing well back until the flames subside, then return the pan to the heat.

Preheat the oven to 275°F. Tie all the herbs into a bundle with fine string and add this to the Dutch oven with the garlic, tomato paste, lemon juice, sugar and red wine. Cover with the lid and cook in the oven for 2 to 2 1/2 hours until the chicken is very tender.

For the glazed shallots and mushrooms:

About 30 minutes before the chicken finishes cooking, melt the butter and oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shallots and fry for 10 to 15 minutes until they are golden brown and soft; transfer to a plate. Add the mushrooms to the pan and toss so they are just cooked and colored.

For the buerre manie:

Blend the butter and flour together in a small bowl. Remove a few pieces of the cooked chicken from the Dutch oven to make room to stir in the beurre manie. Add this in small amounts, stirring after each addition so that the sauce remains smooth.

When all the beurre manie? has been incorporated, return the chicken together with the shallots and mushrooms. Simmer for 2 to 3 minutes. Sprinkle the top generously with the parsley and serve from the Dutch oven.