Tillie Doyle
Daiso is a traditional Japanese clay pot, also known as a Donabe, used for cooking noodles, rice, stews, and can also be used for steaming and grilling. Before using your Daiso for the first time, it is important to season it. This is done using uncooked or cooked rice and water, which fills the microscopic pores in the pot to prevent damage and extend the life of your pot. After seasoning, you can use your Daiso directly on a gas stove to cook with it.
Characteristics and Values of Cooking in Earthen Pots
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cleaning | Avoid using soap or detergents on earthen pots as they can enter the pores and mix with food. Use rice/wheat/besan flour or coarse salt to scrub. |
| Storage | Store with the lid open in a well-ventilated area, avoiding closed or damp spaces. |
| Stovetop | Earthen pots can be used on gas stoves but not induction stovetops. |
| Heat | Avoid sudden temperature changes as they can cause cracking. Start with low heat and increase gradually. |
| Oil | Use little to no oil as steam and moisture are retained in the pot. |
| Soaking | Soak the pot in water before the first use and discard the water. Some pots need to be soaked before each use to avoid cracking. |
| Seasoning | Seasoning is important to prevent cracking. Pots are initially seasoned with oil and hot water. Avoid dry or oil sautéing until the pot is fully seasoned. |
| Cooking Time | Cooking time in a new clay pot is usually 10-15% more than in stainless steel vessels. |
| Benefits | Clay pots are non-toxic, healthy, eco-friendly, and better at retaining heat, flavor, and nutrients. |
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What You'll Learn
Seasoning your Daiso pot
Daiso pots are traditional Japanese clay pots, also known as Donabe. They are used for cooking noodles, rice, stews and can also be used for steaming and grilling. It is important to season your Daiso pot before using it for the first time.
How to Season Your Daiso Pot:
There are a few different methods you can use to season your earthenware pot. One method is to soak your earthen pot in boiling water for 8-10 hours. This will help get rid of any remaining clay or mud in the pot. You can also use starch water to soak your pot in before first use.
Another method involves using rice or flour. First, rub uncooked rice or flour on all sides of the pot. The starch from the rice or flour will fill the microscopic pores in the pot, helping to prevent breakage and damage from heat. It will also help to prevent odours and stains from food cooked in the pot. Then, fill the pot with water and bring it to a boil. Let the water cool completely, discard the rice or flour and water, and wash the pot with water. Let it dry completely before using it, and make sure the bottom is always dry before cooking.
You can also use whole wheat flour to season your pot. Add some flour to the pot and rub it on all sides. This will help get rid of any loose mud. Dust off the excess flour, then place the pot on the heat and heat until the flour turns black. Clean the pot with a muslin cloth, allow it to cool down, and your pot is ready to use.
Additional Tips:
- Avoid using soap or harsh cleaning agents as they might be absorbed into the porous clay structure. If a scrub is needed, soak the pot in water and scrub with a non-abrasive pad or brush.
- Store the pot in a cool, dry place.
- Always start cooking on low heat and gradually increase it.
- You can apply a fine layer of cooking oil to the outside walls of the pot and lid to help with dryness. Do not apply oil to the bottom of the pot.
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Cooking on a gas stove
Donabe is a traditional Japanese clay pot used for cooking noodles, rice, stews and can also be used for steaming and grilling. It is made of special earthenware and is one of Japan's oldest cooking vessels.
To cook in an earthen pot on a gas stove, ensure that the bottom of the pot is completely dry before placing it on the stove. Cooking in a dry pot is crucial as it prevents the pot from cracking. Similarly, avoid rapid temperature changes such as transferring a hot pot to cold water or placing it on high heat. Instead, start with medium-low heat and gradually increase to medium heat. Once the liquid in the pot starts to boil, reduce the heat to low to maintain the cooking temperature.
It is also important to note that some earthen pots need to be seasoned before first use. This process fills the microscopic pores in the pot, helping to prevent breakage and damage from heat. Seasoning also helps to prevent odours and stains from the food cooked in it. To season your earthen pot, you can use uncooked or cooked rice with water.
Some earthen pots, such as ceramic pots, do not need to be seasoned as they do not absorb water and do not transfer odours. These pots are designed for slow cookers with electric heat sources, and placing them directly on a gas stove can cause them to shatter. Therefore, it is important to determine the type of earthen pot you have and follow the appropriate instructions for its use and care.
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Preparing rice and noodles
Donabe is a traditional Japanese clay pot made of special earthenware used for cooking rice, noodles, soups, stews, and braised dishes. It can also be used for steaming and grilling. Before using a new Donabe, it is important to season it properly. This helps to prevent odours and stains from the food cooked in it and extends the life of the Donabe.
To season a Donabe, fill 80% of the pot with water and add 2 tablespoons of uncooked short-grain white rice or 1 rice bowl of cooked Japanese rice. Slowly bring it to a boil on medium-low heat, stirring the water and rice thoroughly. Let it cool completely, discard the rice, and wash the pot with water, letting it dry before using it. Make sure the bottom is always dry before cooking.
When cooking rice in a Donabe, it is recommended to add an extra 1/2 cup of water for every cup of rice (a ratio of 1:2.5). Start by adding the water-soaked rice to the pot and cooking it on the stovetop. Begin at a low heat setting for 5 minutes, then increase to medium-low on a gas stove or medium heat on an electric stove. It is best to avoid high heat when cooking rice in earthenware pots as they generate a gentle heat that cooks the rice thoroughly and evenly. After 3-4 uses, the pot will cook rice much faster, with a cook time of only about 15 minutes.
Although there are no specific instructions found for cooking noodles in a Donabe, it is assumed that the process would be similar to cooking noodles in a regular pot. It is important to note that earthenware pots made of conventional materials, such as cast iron, can damage the nutrients in noodles and other foods, so it is best to use a Donabe or other earthenware pot to avoid this issue.
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Steaming and grilling
Steaming in an earthen pot is a great way to cook food that is rich in nutrients and taste. The clay used in earthen pots is alkaline, which neutralises the acid content in the food and makes it easier to digest. The slow cooking process also improves the quality and taste of food while balancing nutrients.
To steam in an earthen pot, first, fill the pot with about an inch of water—it shouldn't touch the rack or steamer basket you will place inside. Cover the pot and turn the heat to medium. When you hear the water boiling or see steam coming out, you are ready to add your food. Place your food in the pot, re-cover, and let it cook according to your recipe or preference.
You can also steam in an earthen pot without a steamer basket. Simply place three golf ball-sized balls of aluminium foil at the bottom of the pot, then rest a heat-proof plate on top of the foil balls. Cover the pot, bring the water to a boil, add your vegetables to the plate, and steam until they are crisp-tender.
Grilling in an earthen pot is also possible. You can use a good-quality ceramic (terracotta) flower pot as a vessel for grilling. The ceramic material holds in and focuses heat while insulating the outside. You will need a pot that is 10 or 12 inches, sand to fill half of the pot, charcoal, skewers, and your food. Light the charcoal in a chimney, then use tongs to transfer the hot coals into the flower pot on top of the sand. Place the pot somewhere stable and safe, as it will get very hot.
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Cleaning and maintenance
Before using your earthen pot for the first time, it's important to season it. Seasoning helps to strengthen the pot, prevent cracking, and remove unwanted tastes or residues. To do this, fill your pot with water and let it sit for a few hours, allowing the clay to absorb the water and expand slightly. After soaking, discard the water and let the pot dry naturally. You can also rub the inside with a little coconut or sesame oil to seal the pores in the clay and create a natural non-stick surface.
When it comes to cleaning your earthen pot, it's important to avoid harsh cleaning agents as the porous nature of clay means it can absorb chemicals. Instead, opt for warm water and a soft brush to remove food particles gently. Avoid using soap as it can seep into the clay and leave a lingering taste. For stubborn stains, create a paste with baking soda and water, gently scrub the pot with this mixture, and then rinse thoroughly with warm water. Alternatively, you can soak the pot in equal parts water and vinegar for several hours or overnight to help dissolve mineral deposits and neutralise odours.
Always make sure your pot is thoroughly cleaned and dried between uses. You can wipe it with a towel after washing and dry it in the sun or in a well-ventilated place. If the pot takes too long to dry, you can place it on the stovetop at the lowest heat setting until it's warm to the touch.
To maintain the quality of your earthen pot, handle it with care. Clay is susceptible to cracking if dropped or exposed to sudden changes in temperature. Always place your pot on a low flame at first, gradually increasing the heat to allow the clay to expand slowly and reduce the risk of cracking. Avoid placing a hot pot directly on a cold surface, as the temperature change can cause it to break.
It's also important to avoid thermal shock, which can crack the pot. Clay retains heat, so your food will continue to cook even after removing it from the stove. Be mindful of cooking times, and if serving food directly from the pot, use a heat-resistant surface to protect your table and keep the pot warm.
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Frequently asked questions
Daiso earthen pots are traditional Japanese clay pots, also known as Donabe, used for cooking noodles, rice, stews, and can also be used for steaming and grilling.
To season your Daiso earthen pot, you need to fill the microscopic pores in the pot with starch from rice or flour. This will help prevent breakage and damage from heat, prevent odors and stains from the food cooked in it, and extend the life of your pot.
Daiso earthen pots are best suited for cooking on a gas stove rather than an electric conductive stove. Make sure the bottom of the pot is always dry before cooking.
Daiso earthen pots are perfect for cooking rice, noodles, stews, and hot pot dishes such as shabu-shabu. They can also be used for steaming and grilling.
