My new Lodge enameled cast Iron Dutch oven says never heat it empty.
I need to do just that if I want to sear a roast before braising.
Anyone think it's really a problem?

Thanks

Greg Esres wrote:
> My new Lodge enameled cast Iron Dutch oven says never heat it empty.
> I need to do just that if I want to sear a roast before braising.
> Anyone think it's really a problem?
>
> Thanks

If you put the roast in it it won't be empty

Jill replied:

> Greg Esres wrote:
>> My new Lodge enameled cast Iron Dutch oven says never heat it empty.
>> I need to do just that if I want to sear a roast before braising.
>> Anyone think it's really a problem?
>>
>
> If you put the roast in it it won't be empty


The pan is supposed to be heated BEFORE the roast goes in. That's how
searing is done. To answer Greg's question, I'd coat the bottom of the pan
with a tablespoon of some high-smoking-point oil (like grapeseed or
safflower oil) before applying the heat.

Bob

Bob Terwilliger wrote:

<<I'd coat the bottom of the pan with a tablespoon of some high-
smoking-point oil (like grapeseed or safflower oil) before applying
the heat. >>

Putting in some oil is a given, but I didn't think that was
sufficiently different from "empty" to void Lodge's warning. :-)
However, I will accept your advice to mean that you don't see a
problem.

Thank you

Janet wrote:

<<Enameled cast iron isn't good for browning or searing. In my
experience, it
burns the finish.>>

I've never owned enameled cookware before, so you may be right. I am a
bit disappointed, though, because I hoped I had purchased an all-in-
one cooking device. :-)

Thank you.

Bob Terwilliger wrote:

> The pan is supposed to be heated BEFORE the roast goes in. That's how
> searing is done. To answer Greg's question, I'd coat the bottom of the
> pan with a tablespoon of some high-smoking-point oil (like grapeseed or
> safflower oil) before applying the heat.
>
> Bob

My Le Crueset also came with instructions to not use high heat, but
rather heat it up slower on a maximum of medium high heat.

Goomba wrote:

<<maximum of medium high heat.>>

That seems plenty for about any purpose. I've seen instructions for
searing to put the burner on high, but medium high puts mine to over
800 degrees; that's hot enough.