The Ancient Art Of Clay Hot Pot Cooking

Clay pot cooking is an ancient method of cooking that uses a two-part unglazed clay pot that has been soaked in water. When heated to a high temperature, steam is created, adding moisture to the food being cooked and retaining nutrients. Clay pots are beloved around the world for their ability to cook delicious food, concentrating flavours and retaining heat with ease. Clay has the unique advantage of being a porous material, and an unglazed clay pot may be soaked in water before use, so that once food cooks inside, the pot puts off additional steam. Clay pots are ideal for cooking meat, vegetables, grains, soups, bread, and desserts.

How to prepare your clay pot for first-time use

Preparing your clay pot for its first use is an important step to ensure the longevity of your cookware. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to prepare your clay pot for its first use:

Step 1: Cleaning and Soaking

First, thoroughly clean the inside of your new clay pot to remove any loose clay particles. You can use a brush or a scrubber to scrub the pot gently. Then, rinse the pot with water and drain it. After that, soak the pot and its lid in cold water for at least 20 minutes. If this is your first time using the clay pot, it is recommended to soak it for an additional 10 minutes. The soaking process is crucial as the water retained in the clay provides the necessary moisture for cooking.

Step 2: Drying and Seasoning

After soaking, dry your clay pot by placing it in a well-ventilated area or wiping it with a clean cloth. Some sources recommend placing the pot in the sun to dry. Once the pot is completely dry, you can proceed with the seasoning process. Seasoning helps to improve the durability of your clay pot and prevent cracking.

For seasoning, you can use a variety of oils or fats such as ghee, coconut oil, or any cooking oil of your choice. Spread a thin layer of oil or fat on both the inside and outside of the pot. You can use your hands or a brush for this step. Sun-dry the pot again until the oil is completely absorbed and dry.

Step 3: Heating and Curing

Now, it's time to heat your clay pot. Place it on the stove or in an oven at a low temperature. If using a stove, make sure to use a heat diffuser to avoid direct contact with the heat source. Heat the pot for a few hours, and then turn off the heat and let it cool completely before handling.

Step 4: Final Steps

Once your clay pot has cooled down, it is ready for its first use! However, there are a few important things to keep in mind when using and maintaining your clay pot:

• Always start cooking on low heat and gradually increase the temperature.
• Avoid sudden temperature changes as they can cause the clay pot to crack.
• Do not heat an empty clay pot.
• Hand wash your pot with water, avoiding soap and harsh cleaning agents, as they can be absorbed into the porous clay structure.
• Try to use your clay pot consecutively for the first few times, cooking water-based recipes like rice, grains, soups, or lentils.
• Avoid dry-cooking or sautéing meat in the beginning.
• Store your clay pot in a cool, dry place when not in use.

What foods to cook in a clay pot

Clay pots are used to cook a variety of dishes from around the world, from biryani and fish curries in India to mole, beans, and birria in Mexico. Here are some ideas for foods to cook in your clay pot:

Rice

Rice is a popular dish to cook in a clay pot, as the clay allows for even cooking and helps to create fluffy, shiny rice grains. In Hong Kong, a clay pot is used to make a rice bowl with Chinese sausage and cured pork belly, resulting in a dish with crispy bits of rice at the bottom of the pot.

Beans

Clay pots are also ideal for cooking beans, as the constant heat and shape of the pot help to hold in moisture. Chef Katharine Kagel, an expert in micaceous clay pots, claims that cooking in a clay pot can infuse beans with flavour.

Soups and Stews

Clay pots are perfect for simmering soups and stews, such as the Korean tofu and seafood soup, soondubu jjigae, or the Ethiopian long-simmered stew, doro wat. Clay pots are also commonly used to make French cassoulet, a rustic bean dish, and North African tagines, slow-braised stews with meat, vegetables, and seasonings.

Meat

Clay pots can also be used for braising or tender baked meats. In Vietnam, a clay pot is used to make fish sauce caramel-glazed pork, and in Côte d'Ivoire, a spicy chicken stew called kedjenou is cooked in a clay pot.

How to cook in a clay pot

Clay pot cooking is an ancient method of cooking that has been used for centuries. Clay pots are beloved around the world for their ability to cook delicious food, concentrating flavours and retaining heat with ease. They are also aesthetically pleasing and can be taken straight from the oven to the table.

Before Cooking:

Firstly, it is important to note that you should never put a clay pot in a preheated oven as it will crack from the shock of the heat. Always place a clay pot in a cold oven and let it heat up with the oven. Before the first use, the clay pot should be seasoned and prepared. New clay pots should be soaked in water for about 30-40 minutes and then scrubbed with a stiff-bristle brush to remove any clay dust or particles. Older clay pots should be soaked for 15-20 minutes to ensure they have absorbed enough water.

During Cooking:

Place the desired ingredients in the clay pot without adding any oil or fat. Put the lid on the clay pot and place the entire pot in the oven. Set the oven temperature and let the oven heat up with the clay pot inside. The cooking time will depend on the food being cooked. For example, meat dishes will take between 30 to 60 minutes, while fish and vegetables will cook in 5 to 10 minutes. It is important to note that clay pot cooking is done at lower temperatures than regular cooking as clay holds heat well.

After Cooking:

Once the food is cooked, remove the clay pot from the oven carefully and place it on a wooden board or a dish towel to prevent sudden temperature changes, which can cause cracking. Remove the lid and serve the food. Clay pots are easy to clean as no extra fat is added before cooking. Simply remove any leftover food and scrub the pot with a hard-bristle brush under very warm water. Let the pot dry completely before storing it away.

Tips:

• Clay pots should not be used on top of the stove.
• Avoid using metal utensils with clay pots to prevent scratching and gouges.
• Do not place a hot clay pot on a cold surface as it will crack. Always use a wooden or heat-resistant trivet or potholder.
• Add liquids sparingly as the food will release liquids during cooking, and you don't want the pot to overflow.
• Clay pots retain heat, so factor this into your cooking time to avoid overcooking.
• Clay pots are great for cooking dishes with sauces, like curries, soups, hot pots, or other liquid-based dishes.

By following these steps and tips, you can cook delicious and healthy meals in a clay pot while also enjoying the unique benefits and flavours that this ancient cooking method has to offer.

How to avoid thermal shock and accidental breakage

Clay cookware is sensitive to thermal shock, so it is important to take great care to avoid sudden temperature changes to prevent the pot from breaking. Here are some tips to avoid thermal shock and accidental breakage when using a clay hot pot:

• Always soak the pot in cool water for 10 to 40 minutes before using it. This ensures that the clay absorbs enough water and helps to prevent cracking.
• Never put a clay pot in a preheated oven, as it will crack from the shock of the heat. Always place the filled clay pot in a cold oven and heat it up gradually.
• Never heat an empty clay pot, and do not place a hot clay pot on a cold or cool surface. When taking a hot pot out of the oven, always place it on a wooden board, a dish towel, or a heat-resistant trivet or potholder.
• Heat water or broth before adding it to the pot midway through cooking. Do not heat clay pots directly over an electric burner, as this will heat the pot too quickly and may cause thermal shock. Instead, use a diffuser to soften the heat so the pot can warm up gradually.
• To avoid thermal shock and accidental breakage, use wooden utensils to stir food, and avoid tapping spoons on the sides of the pot or dragging the pot across burners.
• Place a double layer of kitchen linens as a landing pad for hot pots or lids on the stovetop, rather than setting them directly on cold countertops. Use wooden or cloth trivets instead of metal ones.
• If your clay pot is not absorbing water as well as it used to, you can deep clean it by placing the entire pot in a larger pot of clean water and boiling it for 30 minutes. Alternatively, fill the bottom section with water and baking soda (4 cups water to 2 tablespoons baking soda) and place it in a cold oven to bake for 30 minutes at 400°F.

How to clean and care for your clay pot

Clay pots are a great addition to your kitchen, but they do require some special care to keep them in good condition. Here are some tips on how to clean and care for your clay pot:

Before First Use:

If you have purchased a new clay pot, it is important to season it before the first use. The specific instructions may vary depending on the type and brand of your clay pot, so be sure to follow the manufacturer's recommendations. However, a general guideline is to soak the pot in water for about 30-40 minutes and then scrub it with a stiff-bristle brush to remove any clay dust or particles. For some clay pots, like tagines, you may need to submerge the pot and lid in water overnight, wipe them dry, and rub the interior with a thin layer of neutral oil before baking it in the oven.

Cleaning:

• Do not use soap or detergent to clean your clay pot, as the porous clay will absorb it. Instead, wash it with warm water and a brush. You can use baking soda to help remove any baked-on food residue.
• Avoid using metal scrubbers as they can create gouges in the clay. Opt for non-abrasive sponges or soft sponges instead.
• After cleaning, let both the lid and the base dry completely on the counter before storing them. This ensures that no moisture is left in the clay, which can lead to mould formation.

General Care and Maintenance:

• Avoid sudden temperature changes as they can cause the clay pot to crack. Always place your clay pot in a cold oven and then set the desired temperature. Similarly, when removing from the oven, place it on a wooden board or a dish towel to prevent temperature shock and potential cracking.
• Do not place a hot clay pot on a cold or cool surface, and never put it directly on a countertop. Always use a wooden or heat-resistant trivet or potholder.
• Do not use metal utensils with your clay pot to avoid scratching or leaving marks on the surface. Wooden utensils are a better option.
• If your clay pot is not absorbing water as well as it used to, you can deep clean it by boiling it in clean water for 30 minutes or baking it with a mixture of water and baking soda.
• Stains and discolouration in the clay are normal and will build up a patina over time, which can even help prevent food from sticking to the sides.

Frequently asked questions