Now, as you know about 13 health benefits of Earthenware or Clay pot Cooking, the second question arises that what is the Right Way to use Earthenware or Clay pot for the first time on cooking gas.
You have to keep few things in mind to pull out the complete benefits of the Clay pot or Earthenware.
1. At the Time of Purchase – Make sure that you buy the right clay pot, by knocking on the bottom of earthenware with your hand knuckle. The right Clay pot sounds a bit thick and heavy at the bottom.
2. At the Time of using the New Clay pot or Earthenware – Check the Purpose of Clay Pot Usage, it decides whether the Claypot needs seasoning or it can be used directly after purchase.
Storage Purpose – If the Clay pot is for storing the Fruits, Vegetables, desserts, etc., or Setting the Curd there is no need to season or soaking the Clay pot or Earthenware. Use it as it is.
For cooking Purpose – If you are using Clay pot or Earthenware for cooking then you need to season it for the first time before using it.
Steps to be followed to Season the Clay Pot before Cooking in it for the first time
Step 1 – Rinse the clay pot with plain water then soak the clay pot in plain water for one day.
Step 2. On the second day, fill the clay pot 1/4 level up with water and put 1 tbsp of any cooking oil that you use or 1 tbsp of flour into the clay pot.
Step 3. Cover the clay pot and let it cook at low flame (for the first time) till it seems steam coming out of the pot.
Step 4. Turn the flame off and let it cool down naturally for some time.
Step 5. Rinse the Clay pot thoroughly with water and softly scrub with a natural coconut scrubber to make sure that no residue is left.
Step 6. Once this simple process is done you are good to go for normal cooking in the clay pot.
After Seasoning Tips
1. For longer and better usage, you should apply any cooking oil on the outer sides surface of the clay pot with your hands in order to give it an even look as well.
2. Once you have cooked the food in the clay pot for one time, make sure that you cook some curry recipes or rice for the next few days (5-7 days) that too in regularity on daily basis. The reason behind this is that the water content helps the pores of the clay pot to get tight and completely seasoned. Once the earthenware is toughened with regular use then you can easily keep them aside for some time if you want to, without any second thought.
Simple steps – How to clean the clay pots after Cooking
Step 1. After cooking the food, let the Clay pot cool down or come down to room temperature naturally.
Step 2. Soak or fill them with normal water for 10-15 minutes. And, if the food is burned or overcooked, put some lukewarm water in the clay pot with a pinch of baking soda and allow it to rest for 15 minutes.
Step 3. Then, use a coconut scraper softly for cleaning the food deposits.
Step 4. Wash the clay pot thoroughly in running water.
Step 5. Then rinse it and allow it to dry.
If you still have any queries or confusion, please feel free to drop an email at herbsforsoul@gmail.com.