Marianne Martinez
Clay pots are a popular choice for cooking due to their ability to enhance flavours and retain heat. However, they require special care to prevent bacterial growth, thermal shock, and other issues. Before using a new clay pot, it is essential to season it properly to eliminate any muddy taste and prolong its lifespan. This involves thoroughly cleaning and drying the pot, followed by treatments such as boiling rice water, using flour and water mixtures, or applying oil to the pot's exterior. Additionally, users should be cautious of sudden temperature changes and avoid soaking the pot in soapy water to prevent chemical absorption. Proper maintenance of clay pots ensures safe and enjoyable cooking experiences.
How to treat a mud pot before cooking:
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Scrub | Use salt and baking soda to scrub the pot after use |
| Wash | Wash the pot thoroughly before and after use |
| Soak | Soak the pot in water for at least 8 hours or overnight before first use |
| Dry | Dry the pot under the sun after soaking |
| Oil | Rub oil generously on all sides of the pot after drying |
| Rice water | Fill the pot with rice water and keep it aside overnight. Boil the rice water in the pot the next morning |
| Boil water | Boil water in the pot daily for about a week before use to get rid of extra mud |
| Heat | Heat the pot gradually to avoid thermal shock |
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What You'll Learn
Soak in water for at least 8 hours, then dry in the sun
Before using a new clay pot, it is important to season it correctly to avoid a muddy taste in your food and to help the pot endure heat and last longer. To do this, start by washing the pot thoroughly. Then, soak the pot in water for at least 8 hours or overnight.
After soaking, take out the clay pot and dry it under the sun until it is completely dry. This step is crucial as improper drying and storage of clay pots can lead to mould and fungus growth. Ensure the pot is fully dried before putting it away, and always store it in a cool, dry place. Storing it in a cabinet is not recommended once you have started using the pot.
Once the pot is dry, the next step is to rub oil generously on all sides of the pot. Return the pot to the sun and let it absorb the oil completely. Now, your clay pot is almost ready for cooking!
It is recommended to use your clay pot 3 to 5 times consecutively after initial seasoning, cooking water-based recipes such as rice, grains, soup, or lentils. This helps to fully season the pot and seal it. Avoid dry-cooking sautéed meat the first few times, and always start with low heat, gradually increasing to higher temperatures.
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Generously rub all sides with oil and leave in the sun
Generously rubbing all sides of a mud pot with oil and leaving it in the sun is an important step in the process of seasoning the pot before cooking with it. This is necessary because if a pot is used for cooking as soon as it is bought, the food will taste of mud.
To begin the process of seasoning your pot, first wash the pot thoroughly and soak it in water for at least 8 hours or overnight. The next day, take the pot out and dry it under the sun. After the pot has dried completely, rub oil generously on all sides of it. Then, place the pot back in the sun. You will notice that the pot will absorb the oil completely.
After this step, fill the pot with rice water and keep it aside overnight. The following morning, boil this rice water in the clay pot itself. Turn off the flame and keep the pot aside. Allow the rice water to cool down completely before throwing it away. Now, wash the clay pot well using a scrubber. Do not use washing soaps or liquids. You could use gram flour in case you need it.
It is important to note that you should never soak a clay pot in soapy water as the pot will absorb the chemicals and then release them into your food when you cook.
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Fill with rice water and leave overnight
When you buy a new clay pot, it is important to season it before cooking with it. This is because clay pots can absorb the chemicals from soap water, which will then be released into your food when you cook. Lack of maintenance can also lead to bacteria, fungus, and diseases.
To season your clay pot, start by scrubbing the pot well, washing it thoroughly, and soaking the pot completely in water. It is best to use rice-soaked water or rice-cooked water at least once, and do this for three days, changing the water daily. Then, fill the pot with water, add some baking soda, and let the water boil. Finally, discard the water, and your pot is ready to use!
Rice water is a suspension of starch obtained by draining boiled rice or by boiling rice until it completely dissolves into the water. It is commonly used as a hair treatment, but it can also be used to season your clay pot.
Filling your clay pot with rice water and leaving it overnight is a great way to season your pot and prepare it for cooking. The starch in the rice water will help to seal the pot and prevent it from cracking. It is recommended to use rice-soaked water or rice-cooked water at least once when seasoning your clay pot.
After filling your pot with rice water, leave it overnight, and then discard the rice water in the morning. Your pot is now ready for use! You can start cooking water-based recipes such as rice, grains, soup, or lentils. It is recommended to use your clay pot 3 to 5 times consecutively after the initial seasoning to fully season your pot.
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Boil the rice water, then discard it
Clay pots are a great choice for cooking due to their ability to retain heat and enhance the taste of food. However, they require proper care and maintenance to prevent issues such as bacterial growth, fungus, and cracks. Before using a new clay pot, it is essential to season it correctly to eliminate any muddy taste and ensure its durability.
One crucial step in the seasoning process is boiling rice water in the pot. Here is a detailed guide on this step:
Filling the Pot with Rice Water
After purchasing a new clay pot, it is important to wash and scrub the pot thoroughly. Then, fill the pot with water and soak it for an extended period, preferably overnight. The next day, discard the soaked water and fill the pot with rice water. It is recommended to use water in which rice has been cooked, as this can enhance the seasoning process.
Boiling the Rice Water
Place the clay pot on a stove and turn on the heat to a medium-low setting. Allow the rice water to heat up and reach a gentle boil. Maintain this temperature for a few minutes to ensure the water is boiling rapidly. The boiling rice water helps to further remove any residual mud or impurities from the clay pot.
Discarding the Rice Water
Once the rice water has boiled vigorously, turn off the heat source and carefully remove the pot from the stove. Set the pot aside in a safe place and allow the rice water to cool down completely. It is important to ensure that the hot rice water is handled with caution to prevent any spills or accidents.
After the rice water has cooled, it can be safely discarded. Do not pour the rice water down the sink until it has cooled sufficiently, as hot water can cause issues with plumbing and may be unsafe for your pipes. It is recommended to discard the rice water into a suitable container and then dispose of it appropriately.
By following these steps, you will effectively treat a new mud pot before cooking, ensuring that it is ready for use and will provide a pleasant cooking experience.
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Wash the pot well, without soap, and it's ready to use
To treat a mud pot before cooking, it is important to wash the pot thoroughly and remove any excess mud. Start by scrubbing the pot well with a soft sponge or a non-abrasive brush and lukewarm water. Avoid using soap or washing liquids as the pot will absorb the chemicals, only use mild detergent on flameware. You can also scrub the pot with vinegar or lemon juice, both inside and outside, and then rinse it under water.
After scrubbing, fill the pot with water and add some baking soda. Bring the water to a boil and then discard it. This process will ensure the pot is free of any chemicals and bacteria. If there is still an oily residue or food smell, add a few slices of lemon to the water and boil again. The oil substances will float to the top and can then be discarded.
Once the pot is clean, it is important to dry it thoroughly. You can do this by placing the pot on a low setting on your stove, with the lid off, until the rim is warm to the touch. Then, let the pot cool down completely before putting it away. Make sure the pot is completely dry before storing it to prevent the growth of mould or fungus.
After cleaning and drying your mud pot, it is now ready to be seasoned and used for cooking.
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