What makes the Le Creuset shallow casserole special?

Le Creuset is a brand synonymous with premium quality and French craftsmanship. Among their respected enamelled cast iron cookware line, the shallow casserole is a stand out. Here are a few reasons why:

• Superior heat retention and distribution: The Le Creuset Shallow Casserole is made from enamelled cast iron, which retains and distributes heat incredibly well. This means that whether you’re cooking on the stovetop or in the oven, your food will cook evenly without hot spots.
• Durability: Le Creuset cookware is built to last. Its enamelled cast iron construction is resistant to chipping, scratching and staining, maintaining its quality after years of use. With proper care, it’s the kind of investment piece that you’ll pass down through generations.
• Style: You might recognise Le Creuset cookware for its beautifully coloured exteriors. Explore modern and traditional colour choices, from red, blue and green to classic neutrals. Sleek design allows a shallow casserole to go from the oven to table seamlessly, excelling as both a premium cookware piece and a beautiful serving dish.
• Versatility: The Le Creuset shallow casserole is a true multitasker in the kitchen. It can handle high temperatures, is oven safe and is suitable for all stovetops, including induction. This allows you to sear, saute, shallow fry, braise, roast and more using just the one casserole.

Mouthwatering meal ideas using a shallow casserole

Here are some meal ideas to help inspire creativity with a shallow casserole. Utilise the stovetop and oven capabilities to create flavour packed sweet and savoury dishes like these:

• One pot chicken and vegetables: Thanks to its wide base, the Le Creuset Shallow Casserole allows you to cook chicken thighs or breasts alongside vegetables without crowding. Season everything, place it in the casserole, and bake until the chicken is juicy and the vegetables are tender. It’s a complete meal in one dish with minimal cleanup!
• Golden brown frittatas: Shallow casseroles are ideal for breakfast dishes like frittatas. The shallow depth ensures that the mixture cooks evenly, while the cast iron’s heat retention creates a golden crust around the outside. Simply add your favourite fillings (think spinach, mushrooms, cheese) and bake until set. Get creative with the oven to table breakfast idea; cook a family sized pancake or roast a large batch of blistered tomatoes to accompany your avocado toast.
• Braised short ribs: The robust and heat retentive properties of a shallow casserole make it perfect for slow cooking. Start by searing short ribs on the stovetop to lock in the juices, then add in aromatics, broth and wine, before popping on the lid and transferring the casserole to the oven. After a few hours of slow braising, you’ll be ready to enjoy the most tender, flavourful short ribs. The best part is, you can experiment with any kind of meat. Try braising chicken to juicy perfection or slow cook cheaper cuts of meat for a family meal that goes further.
• Crispy potatoes au gratin: The Le Creuset Shallow Casserole is perfect for creating a potato gratin or potato bake because it achieves a crispy, golden top and a creamy centre. The broad surface allows the potatoes to cook evenly, and the enamel prevents sticking, so can cut beautifully layered slices. Savour every cheesy, hearty bite.
• Fruit crumble: Shallow casseroles are also excellent vessels for making dessert. With thick cast iron walls and a generous surface area, the Le Creuset shallow casserole cooks a fruit crumble evenly, while the topping is given enough room to get crisp and crunchy. Plus, you can do it all in the one dish; simmer the fruit mixture on the stovetop, add the crumble topping and bake in the oven. Then serve it right out of the dish!

Caring for your Le Creuset shallow casserole

To get the best results from your Le Creuset shallow casserole, follow these helpful care tips:

1. Preheat gradually: While cast iron cookware can withstand high temperatures, avoid exposing it to high heat right away. Rather, warm the casserole gradually to avoid thermal shock and potential damage to the enamel. Start on a medium low heat and allow it to heat slowly.
2. Use on low to medium heat: While Le Creuset cast iron can withstand high temperatures, low to medium heat settings work best for most recipes. This will prevent food from burning or sticking, as the cast iron holds heat extremely efficiently.
3. Avoid metal utensils: Use wooden or silicone utensils to preserve the enamel coating. Metal utensils can scratch the enamel, which will compromise the longevity of the piece.
4. Hand wash: Although it’s technically dishwasher safe, hand washing your shallow casserole with mild soap and a non-abrasive sponge is best. This helps maintain the shine of the enamel and prevent any damage.
5. Store with care: When stacking or storing, place a soft cloth or paper towel between the lid and the base to prevent scratching. This is especially important if you have multiple pieces of Le Creuset cookware that you stack together.

Is a Le Creuset shallow casserole worth the investment?

The Le Creuset shallow casserole may come with a higher price tag, but it’s a long term investment that pays off in durability, performance and style. In fact, it’s so strong and hard wearing that, when cared for correctly, can be passed down through generations.

The versatility alone makes it worth considering, as it can replace multiple pans and pots in your kitchen, reducing clutter and simplifying your cooking process. You also won’t have to replace it as frequently as other cheaper cookware options, potentially making it a more cost effective choice over time. Plus, Le Creuset’s aesthetic appeal can elevate your kitchen and dining experience unlike other cookware can.

Choosing the right size and colour

The Le Creuset shallow casserole comes in a variety of sizes, so it’s important to choose one that fits your cooking needs:

• Size: If you’re cooking for three people or less, a 2.2 litre shallow casserole will suffice. For families and for cooking large dishes, opt for a 3.5 litre shallow casserole.
• Colour: The colour you choose may seem like a small detail, but with Le Creuset, it’s part of the experience. Consider a bright colour that will stand out around the table, or a more subtle tone to blend into any dining occasion.

Feeling inspired?

The Le Creuset shallow casserole is more than just cookware; it brings a new level of style, durability and functionality to your kitchen. You can even pass it on to the next generation so they too can experience the same level of quality. The versatility of a Le Creuset shallow casserole is unmatched, so whether you’re a confident home cook or a beginner, you’ll tackle a wide range of recipes with confidence and ease. Explore the Le Creuset range at Kitchen Warehouse and get started on a new culinary journey!