I was able to endure a painfully long flight this past weekend by immersing myself in Meghan Markle’s new show on Netflix. I learned a lot while making my way over the Pacific Ocean, starting with the realization that her last name is actually Sussex and ending with the conviction that Montecito, California would be a lovely place to live. In her oasis of sunshine and “flower sprinkles,” she harvests honey directly from her hives, whips up daily crudité platters filled with fresh vegetables from her garden, and hosts a slew of famous guests ranging from Mindy Kaling to Alice Waters.    

Despite her impressive roster of powerful friends, the breakout star of With Love, Meghan is undoubtedly the Le Creuset braiser that features prominently in almost every episode. I happen to own this very same item and have likewise found it to be one of the most functional cookware pieces in my kitchen. While Sussex uses hers to make focaccia and chicken tinga and I predominantly use mine to sear chicken thighs and caramelize onions, it’s evident that the only limitation to this functional pan is a person’s imagination.

Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron 3.5-Quart Signature Braiser

Like most of Le Creuset’s cookware, the brand’s braiser is made of enameled cast iron. In layman’s terms, this translates to a durable core that’s efficient at conducting heat and a nonreactive surface that’s resistant to rust. To boil it down even further, “enameled cast iron” simply means that your pan is easy to cook with and even easier to clean. That said, it’s not nonstick, so you have to preheat it thoroughly, use a healthy amount of fat, and let your food brown properly before attempting to flip it. With a little practice and a lot of patience, this technique is easy to master.  

As for the shape that won over both Sussex and me, a braiser’s sloped walls and wide base are ideal for shallow-frying, roasting, tenderizing, and more. This differs from a Dutch oven, which has high sides that are better suited for liquid-heavy dishes like soups and stews. Sussex regularly uses both pieces in her show, as I do in my kitchen. Sure, you could get by with just one or the other, but the duo ensures you will never be without the correct cookware again. 

While I fundamentally disagree with the amount of edible flowers she sprinkles over her food and would never devote more than five minutes to arranging fruit on a platter, I’m completely in sync with Sussex’s choice of pan. It’s a high-quality piece that’s guaranteed to last a long time. 

Shop More Le Creuset at Amazon

Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron 5.5-Quart Signature Round Dutch Oven 

Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron Signature Square Skillet Grill 

Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron 3.5-Quart Signature Round Sauteuse 

Le Creuset Stoneware Heritage Covered Rectangular Casserole 

Le Creuset Stoneware Pinch Bowl Gift Set 

At the time of publishing, the price was $368.