Tiffany Haney
Terracotta pans are a great way to cook food, with many fans of clay pots citing the amazing aroma and flavour they impart to dishes. Seasoning your terracotta pan is an important step in preparing the cookware for its first use, strengthening the clay and preventing cracks. Seasoning terracotta pans involves washing and soaking the pan, drying it, and then coating it in oil or another substance like coconut or rice water. It is also important to remember that clay pots cannot withstand quick, extreme temperature changes, so you should always start with a low heat and gradually increase it.
How to season terracotta pans
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| First steps | Wash the pan, then heat it until the water dries up completely. |
| Oil | Add a few drops of coconut oil and let it smoke a bit. Alternatively, rub oil generously on all sides of the pan. |
| Rice water | Fill the pot with rice water and leave it aside for one hour or overnight. Boil the rice water in the clay pot. |
| Oven | Place the pot in the oven and turn it on to 225 degrees Fahrenheit or 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Leave it in the oven for 2 to 3 hours or 15 minutes. |
| Heat | Always start with low heat and gradually increase. The highest temperature should be medium-low. |
| Cleaning | Never use soap or detergents. Use hot water and a gentle, non-abrasive cleaning pad to scrub. |
| Maintenance | Try to use your clay pot 3 to 5 times consecutively after initial seasoning. Avoid sudden temperature changes as it can cause cracking. Store the pot in a cool, dry place. |
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What You'll Learn
Soak and scrub
Soaking and scrubbing are important steps in cleaning and maintaining your terracotta pans. Here is a detailed guide:
Soaking:
Before you start scrubbing, it is essential to prepare a suitable soaking solution. For terracotta pans, a mixture of equal parts distilled white vinegar and water is recommended. Fill your pan with this solution, ensuring all surfaces are submerged. You may hear sizzling sounds or see bubbles—this is normal, as the vinegar dissolves buildup, and the clay absorbs water. Let the pan soak for at least 20-30 minutes. For tougher buildup, you can increase the concentration of vinegar or opt to soak the pan in pure vinegar. However, if you choose to soak in pure vinegar, remember to soak the pan in plain water afterward to dilute any remaining vinegar.
Scrubbing:
After soaking, it's time to scrub your terracotta pan. Use a soft-bristled brush or sponge for this step, as metal brushes or scouring pads can scratch the surface. Dip your brush or sponge into the cleaning solution or warm water with mild soap, and gently scrub the interior and exterior surfaces of the pan. If you encounter stubborn stains or hard crusty spots, you can spot-treat them with vinegar by spraying or using a cloth soaked in vinegar to soften and wipe them away. Alternatively, a mixture of vinegar and baking soda can be used to scour away tough stains. For the exterior of the pan, a scrub brush and soapy water can be effective in removing dirt and debris.
It is important to note that terracotta pans should not be cleaned with detergents or any soapy liquids, as these can enter the small pores of the clay and mix with your food during cooking. Instead, opt for natural alternatives like rice flour, besan flour, or chapathi flour for cleaning.
After scrubbing, thoroughly rinse the pan with clean water to remove any residue. Finally, allow the pan to air dry completely before storing or using it again.
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Oven or stove?
Seasoning terracotta pans involves coating the pan with oil and heating it to create a non-stick surface. This process can be done on the stove or in the oven, and each method has its own advantages and considerations:
Oven Method:
- Preheat your oven to a moderate temperature, typically around 350°F to 400°F (177°C to 204°C).
- Place the terracotta pan upside down on a baking sheet or aluminum foil to catch any oil drips.
- Apply a thin, even coat of your chosen oil (e.g., vegetable oil, canola oil, or flaxseed oil) to the entire surface of the pan, including the exterior.
- Place the pan in the oven and let it bake for about an hour.
- Turn off the oven and leave the pan inside to cool down slowly. This helps prevent the oil from stripping away from the pan as it cools.
- Repeat the process at least three times for a durable, non-stick surface.
Stove Method:
- Place the terracotta pan on the stovetop over medium heat.
- Apply a thin coat of oil to the entire surface of the pan, including the exterior. Use a heat-resistant oil with a high smoke point, such as avocado oil, grapeseed oil, or refined coconut oil.
- Heat the pan for about 10 to 15 minutes, allowing the oil to penetrate the pores of the terracotta.
- Remove the pan from the heat and let it cool completely.
- Repeat the process at least three times, or until a dark, semi-glossy finish is achieved.
Considerations:
- The oven method is generally considered more convenient, especially if you're seasoning multiple pans at once. It allows for more even heating and reduces the risk of oil dripping onto your stovetop.
- The stove method may be preferred if you're only seasoning a single pan or if your oven is unavailable. It gives you more control over the temperature and allows you to closely monitor the seasoning process.
- Regardless of the method, proper ventilation is crucial during the seasoning process to avoid smoke buildup. Open windows or turn on your kitchen exhaust fan to ensure adequate airflow.
- Remember to allow your pan to cool completely before handling it and to wash it with mild soap and water before its first use.
- Regular maintenance of your terracotta pans is essential. Re-season the pans periodically, especially after cooking acidic or sticky foods, to maintain the non-stick surface.
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Oil and spices
Seasoning terracotta cookware helps to create a natural non-stick surface, making it easier to cook and clean. It also adds a unique depth of flavour to your dishes, as the porous nature of terracotta allows it to absorb and release subtle hints of seasoning into your food.
To season your terracotta pans with oil and spices, start by soaking the pan in water for a few hours. The general rule is the longer the better, particularly for larger pieces. Water 'cures' the terracotta and needs time to soak in effectively, which will add both strength and weight. Drain and wipe the pan dry. Then, rub the surface with a clove of garlic and olive oil. Place the cookware in a cold oven, then heat it gradually to 300°F (150°C) for about 30 minutes. Let it cool and wipe off any excess oil. Repeat the oiling and baking process 2-3 times to build up a good seasoning layer.
You can also season your terracotta pans with coconut oil. After washing the pan, heat it until the water dries up completely, then add a few drops of coconut oil and let it smoke a bit before switching off. Another method is to add 1-2 tablespoons of grated coconut to the pan and saute it well so that the coconut and oil spread all over the inside of the pan. Saute until golden. Then, remove the coconut, add water along with turmeric powder, and let it come to a boil. Switch off and dry the pan in the sun.
It is important to note that terracotta cookware should not be washed with soap as it can strip away the seasoning. Instead, use hot water and a brush to clean the cookware, and allow it to air dry completely before using it again.
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Heat and temperature
When cooking with terracotta pans, it is important to remember that terracotta cookware cannot withstand quick, extreme temperature changes. This is crucial when you are starting the cooking process. With a metal pan, you typically start with high heat and then turn it down. However, with terracotta, you must do the opposite: start with low heat and then gradually increase the temperature over the course of about 5 minutes. The highest temperature you should take your terracotta pan on a gas stove without a heat diffuser is medium-low. With a diffuser, you can go a bit higher, but you should still never take your pan much above medium heat. If you do, things will start to burn.
It is also very important to season terracotta pans before using them for the first time, or they will crack. Seasoning terracotta pans makes them more durable and helps them endure heat better. To season a terracotta pan, you must first wash the pan and then soak it in water for at least 2 hours. Next, dry the pan in the sun or with a cloth. After the pan has dried completely, rub oil generously on all sides, being sure not to apply oil to the bottom of the pan. Keep the pan in the sun again, and you will notice that the pan will absorb the oil completely. Now, fill the pan with rice water and keep it aside for at least an hour or overnight. The next day, boil the rice water in the terracotta pan. Turn off the flame and keep the pan aside. Allow the rice water to cool down completely before throwing it away.
You can also season a terracotta pan with coconut oil or desiccated coconut. First, put the pan in the oven and turn on the heat to 400°F. Bake for around 15 minutes, then turn off the heat and let the pan cool down completely. Next, add fresh desiccated coconut to the pan and turn the heat to low or medium-low. Roast the coconut, stirring continuously, until it turns brown and dried. Turn off the heat and discard the coconut. The inside of the pan should now be slightly oily and shiny with natural oil from the coconut. The pan is now ready to use.
Finally, when cleaning a terracotta pan, avoid using soap or harsh cleaning agents, as they might be absorbed into the porous clay structure. Instead, use hot water and a gentle, non-abrasive cleaning pad to scrub the pan. If something is stuck to the bottom, add a little salt and scrub with a sponge, then clean with water.
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Cleaning and maintenance
To clean your terracotta pans, avoid using soap or harsh cleaning agents as they can be absorbed into the porous clay structure. Instead, use hot water and a gentle, non-abrasive cleaning pad to scrub the pan. If something is stuck to the bottom, add a little salt and scrub with a sponge before rinsing with water.
After using the pan, let it cool down to room temperature, then soak it in water for a while. Use a coconut scraper to remove any remaining food bits. Scrub the pan well and rinse it with running water.
To remove tough stains, soak the pan in hot water for a few minutes before scrubbing. You can also use rice flour, besan flour, or chapathi flour to wash the pan. After washing, sprinkle some rice flour on the pan, scrub it well, and wash it again.
Always dry your terracotta pan thoroughly before storing it. You can either air-dry it or wipe it with a thick cotton cloth. Avoid extreme temperature changes as this can cause the pan to crack.
It is recommended to use a flame tamer or heat diffuser when cooking with terracotta pans to prevent cracking and control the temperature. Always start with low heat and gradually increase it. Avoid placing an empty terracotta pan directly over a high-heat source, as this can also cause cracking.
To maintain the seasoning of your terracotta pans, you can apply a thin layer of cooking oil to the outside walls of the pan and lid after each cleaning. This will help prevent dryness and maintain the pan's seasoning.
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