My Red Pot

Pots like this are excellent for stews, soups and chili. First you start with some olive oil and maybe half butter, if you’re feeling decadent. (Or even more outrageous, diced pancetta). Gently heat the oil and add onions until they are soft and opaque. Add garlic. Be very careful not to brown the garlic, it will turn bitter. Here is the secret to great cooking: add the flavorings now. Whatever herbs or spices you want to use will taste better if you add them to the oil to release their flavor and let it infuse the whole dish. After that it is up to you where to go from here. Braise some carrots and celery for a simple soup, or brown some meat for a stew. The best part is letting it simmer away on the stove, filling the house with a rich aroma to stimulate your appetite.

These enameled cast iron pots are perfect for distributing the heat evenly at a low temperatures. They can go on the stovetop or in the oven. Le Creuset has been the ultimate manufacturer for over 80 years. They cost about $200 for a 5 quart pot. I found this one at Target for $40 and it works just as well.