let's talk about clay cooking!!!!

let's talk about clay cooking!!!!

The more we "advance" in life, the more we realise  the value of our ancient traditions. Much before the advent of plastic and melamine, was clay and ceramic crockery.

If you can recall, your grandma used to store water in an earthen pot for a reason--the minerals in the clay get mixed in the water, while keeping it cool even in the harshest of summers.

The earthen pots that have kept water cool in the summer since time immemorial.

Those who drink water stored in earthen pots will know how immensely satisfying it is, so imagine drinking such water from a portable clay bottle. The portable earthen bottle is the latest ‘cool quotient’.

Since its PONGAL festival around i told my Husband 'karthi', why not we celebrate and cook pongal in earthen pot, as i know nil about the maintenance of this pots, so he took me and my daughter 'Hamsini' to the famous "POTTERY TOWN" in bangalore,Pottery Town is an old Place in Bangalore area where people from decades have been into Pottery making,Clay Mud artifacts of Lord Ganesha are made during vinayaka chathurthi. which is exclusive famous for making earthen clay items, right from the toys, decore items and most important  cooking utensils.

Once at the shop I was surprised at the range of clay products they stocked. Water bottles happened to be just one part of it. The store has kitchen utensils beyond cups, saucers, bowls and jars, all made of clay and designed to cook and serve. Having cooked in earthen pots, my personal interest in the product went up a notch higher. As I went through the collection, I wondered at the superior styling, fine finish and packaging. The smooth body will definitely make stirring less cumbersome. Some of them even come with see-through lids and a small outlet for steam. They have every utensil needed in the kitchen made of clay.

Pottery Town was established in 1926, with forty families of artisans who had come in from Tamil Nadu and Andhra after the first railway line to Bengaluru had been constructed. Through the years, the numbers grew, and currently, around 100 families of potters occupy the small settlement.

Is it good to cook in clay pots?

Cooking in a clay pot is much better than cooking in a normal utensil, not just for its various health benefits, but also makes it much simpler to cook and improves the quality of the food at the end. The porosity and natural insulation properties of clay causes heat and moisture to circulate throughout clay pots.

How do you cook clay pots?

1) Immerse and soak the new Clay pot in a big vessel full of water for one day, then scrub off the mud inside the clay pot using a scrubber. Finally, Sun dry it for 4-5 hours. This will help to remove all mud particles.

 2) Apply any vegetable oil inside and outside the clay pot.

How do you clean clay pots after cooking?

Cleaning Your Clay Pot

Do not use soap or detergent to clean as the soap will soak into the pores of the clay and then leach into your food the next time you use it. Instead, use scalding hot water and a stiff brush to clean the pot. Baking soda or salt may be used as a cleanser with a scrub sponge.

Health Benefits of Using a Clay Pot

Firstly, clay pots add many important nutrients like calcium, phosphorous, iron, magnesium and sulfur to food, which are extremely beneficial to our body. Clay is also alkaline and thus, acts neutralized the acidity in the food, which makes it easier for us to digest.

Different cultures have different techniques of cooking food in clay pots. Some use pots that are fully finished by burnishing and therefore do not require the pot to be soaked each time before use. Some are unfinished and must be soaked in water for 30–45 minutes before each use to avoid cracking. The design and shape of the pot differ slightly from one culture to another to suit their style of cooking.

Seasoning is important to prevent cracking of the vessel when exposed to high heat. Clay pots are initially seasoned with oil and hot water but may be fully seasoned only after the first several uses, during which food may take longer to cook. It is also essential to avoid sudden temperature changes, which may cause the pot to crack. Heat should be started low and increased gradually both on the stovetop and in the oven.

The food inside the pot loses little to no moisture because it is surrounded by steam, creating a tender, flavorful dish. Water absorbed within the walls of the pot prevents burning so long as the pot is not allowed to dry completely. Because no oil needs to be added with this cooking technique, food cooked in clay is often lower in fat than food prepared by other methods.

SO WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR, find a new clay pot either by direct local market or you can find even in online, happiest is its not costly compare to other utensils.

Start a change to find a new change in you!!!!!!!