Ella Walter
Clay pots are a great way to cook food, offering a safe, healthy, and flavourful alternative to metal pots and pans. Clay pots are porous, which allows for slow and even heating of food, resulting in better flavour and nutrient retention. Clay pots do not require high heat or excessive oil or fat, resulting in healthier meals. They are also free from harmful chemicals or toxins. However, they do require seasoning before use and careful cleaning to avoid cracks. Here are some tips on how to use an earthen pot for cooking.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Seasoning | Soak in water for 18-24 hours, then fill with rice water for 1-2 days. After, apply cooking oil to the inner and outer surfaces and let it dry. |
| Cleaning | Hand wash with a coconut scrubber or soft sponge and mild soap. Soak in lukewarm water to remove stuck-on food. |
| Heat | Low-medium flame only. |
| Utensils | Use wooden or silicone ladles to stir food. |
| Storage | Store with the lid off to allow air circulation. |
| Safety | Do not heat an empty pot as it may crack. Use a trivet to protect countertops from hot pots. |
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What You'll Learn
Clay pots should be seasoned before first use
Clay pots are a fantastic way to cook food slowly and evenly, resulting in better flavour and nutrient retention. They are also healthier, as they do not require excessive oil or fat. Clay pots are porous, so it is important to season them before first use to prevent breakage and damage from heat.
To season your clay pot, start by soaking the pot and lid in water for 18 to 24 hours. This is an important step as it ensures that the clay is thoroughly soaked and helps to prevent the pot from cracking. After soaking, wash the pot gently, avoiding the use of soap, and instead, sprinkle with baking soda or use an eco-friendly detergent. Rinse the pot well and wipe it dry with a cotton cloth.
Next, fill the clay pot with water, about a quarter full. Place the pot on a low flame and heat up the water. After a few minutes, add a tablespoon of flour of your choice—wheat flour, rice flour, or any other all-purpose flour. You can also use uncooked rice instead of flour. Stir the mixture and continue cooking on low heat with the lid on until it bubbles and thickens.
Once the mixture has bubbled and thickened, discard it and rinse the pot well with water. If needed, gently scrub the pot with a soft sponge or a non-abrasive brush. Your clay pot is now ready for use. It is recommended to use your clay pot 3 to 5 times consecutively after initial seasoning, cooking water-based recipes like rice, grains, soup, or lentils. This will help to fully season your pot.
Remember to always cook on low to medium heat when using a clay pot. Avoid sudden temperature changes as they can cause the pot to crack. Also, use wooden or silicone utensils when stirring to prevent damaging the pot's interior. With proper care and seasoning, your clay pot will last a long time and provide you with delicious, healthy meals.
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Clay pots are not meant for high-heat cooking
Cooking in clay pots is an age-old practice that has been gaining popularity. Clay pots are porous, allowing for even heating of food, resulting in better flavour and nutrient retention. They do not require much oil or fat, making meals healthier. Clay pots are also free of harmful chemicals or toxins.
However, clay pots are not meant for high-heat cooking. Clay pots should always be used on a low-medium flame. This is because clay is susceptible to "thermal shock", where the outside of the pot gets hot faster than the inside due to the insulating effect of the food inside. This variation in heat creates stress that can cause the pot to crack.
To avoid thermal shock, clay pots should be allowed to heat up slowly and evenly. When using a clay pot for the first time, it is important to season it. This can be done by soaking the pot in water for 18-24 hours, then filling it with water and placing it on a low flame. Another quick method is to use wheat flour. After rubbing the interior of the pot with flour and dusting off the excess, the pot is heated on low heat until the flour turns grey.
It is also important to be gentle when cleaning a clay pot to avoid breakage. Clay pots should only be hand-washed with a soft sponge or scrubber and mild soap. They should be allowed to cool completely before washing and should not be exposed to cold water while still hot.
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Clay pots should be soaked in water before washing
Clay pots are a great choice for cooking, but they do require some special care to keep them in good condition. One important step to remember is to always soak your clay pot in water before washing it. This is because clay is a porous material, and if the pot is not properly soaked before washing, it can absorb the water and become saturated. This can lead to the pot cracking or developing mould and fungus over time.
So, before you start scrubbing away at your clay pot, fill it with clean water and let it soak for a while. The exact amount of time can vary depending on the source, but generally, it is recommended to soak the pot for at least a few hours before each use. Some sources recommend soaking a new pot for up to 24 hours before its first use and then for at least a few hours before each subsequent use. This will help to ensure that your pot is thoroughly saturated and will prevent it from absorbing too much liquid from your food during cooking.
It is also important to remember to never use soap or harsh cleaning agents when washing your clay pot, as these chemicals can be absorbed into the porous clay structure. Instead, use a gentle scrubber or a soft sponge with a mild baking soda solution or a mixture of flour and water. You can also try scrubbing the pot with salt or lemon slices to remove any stubborn food smells or residue.
After you've finished cooking and soaked your clay pot, it's important to make sure it's completely dry before storing it. You can air-dry the pot or place it in direct sunlight to speed up the drying process. Just be sure to always store your clay pot with the lid off to allow air to circulate and prevent moisture buildup.
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Use wooden or silicone utensils to stir food in clay pots
Cooking in clay pots is a traditional practice that has gained popularity due to its ability to cook delicious food with better flavour and nutrient retention. Clay pots are porous, allowing for even heating of food and reducing the need for excessive oil or fat. They are also free from harmful chemicals and toxins, making them a safe and ideal choice for cooking.
Before using a clay pot, it is essential to season it properly. This process helps to remove any impurities and prevent cracking. The first step is to soak the pot in water for 18-24 hours, and then fill it with rice water for 1-2 days. Next, apply a thin layer of cooking oil to the inner and outer surfaces and let it dry. Before its first use, it is recommended to boil water or vegetable/Dhal 2-3 times, followed by semi-solid dishes like porridge for another 2-3 times, and finally, dry sauté.
When cooking with clay pots, always use low to medium heat as they are not suitable for high-heat cooking. Using wooden or silicone utensils to stir food in clay pots is highly recommended. Metal utensils can damage the interior of the clay pot, leaving marks and scratches. Wooden and silicone utensils, on the other hand, can withstand high temperatures without causing any harm to the pot. They are gentle on the surface and won't leave any scratches or marks.
After cooking, allow the clay pot to cool completely before washing. It is best to hand wash the pot with a gentle scrubber or soft sponge and mild soap. Soaking the pot in lukewarm water before washing helps to remove any stuck-on food residue. Always dry the pot thoroughly before storing it, and ensure proper airflow by storing it without the lid.
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Clay pots should be cleaned gently and dried thoroughly
Clay pots are sensitive to temperature changes and can easily crack, so it is important to be gentle when cleaning them. Clay pots should not be washed in cold water immediately after cooking, as this could cause them to crack. Instead, allow the pot to cool completely before washing.
To clean a clay pot, it is recommended to hand wash with a coconut scrubber or a soft sponge with mild soap. Avoid using soap or detergent, as this will soak into the pores of the clay and leach into your food the next time you use it. Instead, use scalding hot water and a stiff brush to clean the pot. For a more thorough clean, a coarse, unsoaped stainless steel pad can be used.
Baking soda can be used as a cleanser with a scrub sponge, and a baking soda soak will also help to remove odours and freshen the pot after cooking pungent foods. To do this, fill the pot with warm water and add two tablespoons of baking soda. Let this sit for at least 15 minutes, then wash and dry.
Salt can also be used as a non-toxic alternative to chemical cleaners. Sprinkle salt into the pot and scour it using a scouring pad. Rinse the pot with water after cleaning.
After cleaning, it is important to ensure the pot is thoroughly dried before storing it. Drying the clay pot in sunlight is the best way to remove moisture from it. Wrap the clay pot in a cotton cloth and store it with the lid off, allowing air to circulate. During long periods of storage, mould may form. To remove mould, apply a paste of equal parts baking soda and water, leave it on for at least 30 minutes, then brush, rinse well, and let it dry thoroughly.
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Frequently asked questions
Before using an earthen pot for cooking, it is important to season it. To do this, soak the pot in water for 18-24 hours, then fill it halfway with a mixture of 4 parts cool water and 1 part cooked white rice. Place the pot on a low-medium flame and simmer until the rice turns to porridge. Turn off the heat and let the pot cool completely before discarding the porridge and cleaning the pot. Then, apply a thin layer of cooking oil to the inner and outer surfaces of the pot and let it dry before use.
Clay pots are not meant for high-heat cooking, so always use a low-medium flame when cooking with them. It is also recommended to use wooden or silicone utensils when stirring food in a clay pot, as metal utensils can damage the pot's interior.
Allow the clay pot to cool completely before washing. Soak the pot in lukewarm water to remove stuck-on food, then use a soft sponge or coconut scrubber to gently clean the pot with mild soap and water. To remove strong odors, fill the pot with warm water and add two tablespoons of baking soda. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes before washing and drying.
