The Ancient Art Of Earthen Cookware In India: A Return To Natural Cooking

Earthen cookware is a healthy and eco-friendly alternative to metal pots and pans. Clay pots are safe, non-toxic, and do not leach chemicals into food. They are also excellent at retaining moisture and heat, reducing the need for oil and fat when cooking. In addition, the alkalinity of clay pots can reduce the acidity of food. Earthen cookware is available in a variety of shapes and sizes, including pots, pans, tumblers, bowls, and tea sets. You can find a wide range of options on Etsy, with prices ranging from $17 to $154. Maatisung is another Indian brand that offers a range of clay cookware, kitchenware, and tableware.

Clay pots for cooking and serving

Clay pots are a great option for cooking and serving food. They are safe, non-toxic, and can be used on various heat sources. Here are some benefits of using clay pots for cooking and serving:

Health Benefits

Clay pots are an excellent choice for those seeking a healthy and safe cooking option. Cooking in clay pots saves you from exposure to harmful chemicals often found in other types of cookware. The porous nature of clay allows for the uniform circulation of steam, ensuring that vitamins and other nutrients remain intact during the cooking process. Additionally, clay pots can provide essential minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, iron, magnesium, and sulfur to your food, contributing to a healthy and lively body.

Eco-Friendliness

Clay pots are also environmentally friendly and energy-efficient. The natural insulation properties of clay help retain heat, reducing the amount of energy required for cooking. This not only saves costs but also benefits the environment.

Food Flavour and Taste

Clay pots are known for enhancing the flavour and taste of food. The steam circulation within the pot ensures that food remains moist and tender, locking in juices and flavours.

Versatility

Clay pots can be used for a variety of cooking methods, including stovetop cooking, oven cooking, and microwave cooking. They are also suitable for cooking a wide range of dishes, from curries and biryani to soups and stews.

Easy Maintenance

While clay pots require special care and should not be cleaned with soap or dishwasher liquids, they are relatively low maintenance. Soaking the pot in water before cooking helps maintain its moisture content and reduces the need for excessive oil or fat during cooking.

Aesthetic Appeal

In addition to their functional benefits, clay pots also offer a rustic and authentic aesthetic appeal. They can be used for serving food, adding a unique and natural touch to your dining experience.

Overall, clay pots for cooking and serving offer a traditional, healthy, and environmentally friendly option for those seeking an alternative to conventional metal or chemical-based cookware. They are a great way to enhance the flavour and nutritional value of your meals while also reducing your environmental impact.

Unglazed clay pots

Health Benefits

Clay is a natural material that is alkaline in nature, which helps to neutralise the pH level of food. This can help reduce common stomach problems caused by excessive consumption of fast food or acidic foods. Additionally, clay pots add essential nutrients such as calcium, phosphorus, iron, magnesium and sulphur to food, and can even retain the natural vitamins and minerals of the food due to their slow and uniform cooking process.

Traditional Style of Pottery

Durability and Compatibility

Clay pots are durable and long-lasting, and can be used on gas stoves, microwave ovens and traditional chulhas. They are also compatible with modern cooking styles, making them a versatile addition to any kitchen.

Unique Design

Unlike most earthen pots that are made in factories, unglazed clay pots are often sourced from local potters who use traditional techniques. These pots are left to dry in natural sunlight, rather than being dried in ovens at high temperatures, which can ruin the natural clay properties. Additionally, these pots are not coated with chemical paints or glazes, which can be harmful to health.

Usage and Cleaning Instructions

When using an unglazed clay pot for the first time, it is recommended to immerse the pot with its lid in water or buttermilk for 24 hours, and then wash it thoroughly with ash. This will remove any firing ash stuck to the product. It is also important to avoid pre-heating the empty pot and adding cold water to a heated pot, as this can cause cracking. For regular cleaning, avoid using harsh detergents as the clay may absorb the chemicals. Instead, use natural cleaning agents like cow dung ash, which is often provided with the pot.

Where to Buy

Clay pots for biryani

Biryani is a delicious Indian seasoned rice dish with both vegetarian and non-vegetarian versions. It can be made with meat, fish, or vegetables. The word Biryani is derived from the Persian word for rice, "Birinj", and another Persian word, "Birian", which means 'fried before cooking'.

Biryani is best cooked in a Dutch oven, which is a sturdy and versatile piece of cookware. Dutch ovens can be made from different materials, including natural clay. The best clay pot for cooking Biryani is a healthy Dutch oven made from pure and natural primary clay without any additives, glazes, or enamels.

Pure clay pots cook with unique far-infrared heat, penetrating deep into each grain and cooking evenly and thoroughly at low heat. This gentle heat cooks ingredients while keeping their natural flavours intact, preserving even the most delicate nutrients. Biryani cooks healthily, nutritiously, and flavourfully in a pure clay pot, with each ingredient cooked to perfection.

Some modern clay pots come glazed with chemicals or toxic materials, which can be unsafe. Therefore, it is best to use natural clay in its purest form, which is innately non-reactive, making it the perfect vessel for cooking food.

When cooking Biryani in a clay pot, it is important to use a low flame with a heat diffuser below to prevent cracking. Clay cookware should also not be used on induction, coil, plate, or electric stoves. It is also important to only cook a single item at a time in a clay cooking vessel at a low flame.

Caring for Your Clay Pot

Before the first use, it is recommended to season the pot to strengthen it. To do this, soak the pot in water for an hour and allow it to dry. Then, coat it with olive oil and fill it with water, heating it on a low flame for at least an hour. Additionally, it is important to clean your clay pot immediately after use and ensure it is completely dry before storing it to prevent mould growth.

Clay pots should not be washed in the dishwasher, as this can cause them to absorb detergent flavours. Instead, hand wash with mild soap and warm water, using a soft brush to remove food particles.

Clay pots for curry

Clay pots are a great way to cook curry. They are a traditional Indian cookware, often used for making fish curry. Clay pots are handcrafted and made from 100% lead-free unglazed clay. They are also eco-friendly and can be used in the oven, microwave, stovetop, or direct fire.

Clay pots are a healthy option for cooking as they are non-toxic and do not damage the nutrients in the food. The clay is an inert and non-reactive material, so your food will be pure and non-toxic. The gentle far-infrared heat from the clay pot penetrates deep into the food without destroying the nutritional bonds, so your food will retain its nutritional value.

Clay pots also have excellent steam management properties. The pot and lid are designed to retain steam, so your food will not lose its water-soluble nutrients. The walls of the pot can also "breathe", allowing oxygen to reach the food and keeping it fresh and delicious.

When using a clay pot for the first time, it is important to cure it before use. This process usually involves rinsing the pot, soaking it in water or rice stock overnight, and then heating it on a medium flame for about five minutes. This process may need to be repeated for several days.

Clay pots are available in a range of sizes, from small (7 inches) to extra-large (10 inches). They can be purchased from various online stores, including Amazon and Etsy.

• Do not subject the pot to drastic changes in temperature. Allow it to adjust slowly to heat and always let it cool down before washing or storing.
• Never place a hot pot on a cold surface.
• Do not put the pot in the dishwasher. Wash it by hand with mild soap and avoid strongly scented soaps.
• Do not use metal utensils as they can scratch the pot. Use wooden utensils instead.

Overall, clay pots are a great option for cooking curry. They are healthy, eco-friendly, and traditional. They retain the nutritional value of food and impart a delicious flavour to your curries.

Clay pots for stew

Clay pots are a great option for cooking stews. They have been used for cooking since the start of civilisation and are now making a comeback as people are moving towards more organic and traditional ways of cooking and eating.

Clay pots have a unique ability to absorb moisture and slowly circulate heat, resulting in aromatic and tasty food. They are alkaline in nature, which helps balance the pH level of the food. This also adds essential minerals like calcium, phosphorus, iron, and magnesium to your meal.

Clay pots are versatile and can be used on a stove, in an oven, or even on an open fire. They come in different shapes, shades, and sizes, and can also be used as serveware.

Ecocraft India Clay Pots

Ecocraft India offers a range of clay pots in different colours and sets. The Ecocraft Red Clay Pot Set with Lid (1,2,3 litres) is a great option for cooking stews. The pots are handmade and can be used for cooking authentic curry and gravy dishes. The set includes pots of different sizes, allowing you to cook for 1 to 8 people.

Etsy Clay Pots

Etsy has a variety of clay pots available, including some specifically designed for cooking stews. The Large Earthenware Pot, Handmade Clay Casserole Cooking Pot is a traditional Turkish cookware option. It is handmade and can be used on a stovetop or open fire.

Amazon Clay Pots

Amazon offers a wide range of clay pots from various brands. One option is the Holibanna Clay Cooking Pot, a Chinese-style clay casserole with a single handle and lid. It is suitable for home cooking and can be used to cook stews. Another option is the Tomaibaby Earthen Pot Clay Casserole Cookware, which is a heat-resistant clay cooking pot suitable for stovetops. It has a capacity of 610ml and can be used for cooking healthy stews.

Frequently asked questions