What Not to Do When Clay Pot Cooking
If you've purchased a clay pot for the first time, or are thinking of buying one, you may be a little intimidated by the slightly different style and makeup of clay pots, as opposed to the look of the other pots and pans you may have in the kitchen. However, clay pots are extremely easy to cook in-but there are a few rules to keep in mind. Here are some common mistakes that first time clay pot users make, and how you can avoid these blunders to enhance the taste of your food, as well as the quality of the clay pot.
Short Soaking Times
One of the most common mistakes clay pot users make is not soaking the clay pot long enough before cooking the first meal in it. In order for your food to be moist and flavorful, you'll need to soak your clay pot in water for at least half an hour before its first use, so that the proper amount of moisture can be released when the food is cooking. Of course, some people soak their clay pots a little longer, and this could cause some damage as well, since too much soaking can make food taste bland. After you've made a meal in the clay pot, you can soak the pot for about fifteen minutes each time you use it after that.
Choosing the Wrong First-Time Dish
The first meal in your clay pot should consist of neutral flavors that are easily washed out. This way, subsequent meals won't have a strange aftertaste to them, and the seasonings you use for each dish will distribute evenly throughout the food. Foods with strong smells and flavors, like fish dishes, and foods with curry, are not ideal for first time clay pot use. Since these foods have very potent flavors and odors, you'll want to wait until your pot is 'broken in' before you attempt to make a clay pot meal with them. For your first clay pot meal, season your food with neutral-flavored vegetables like carrots or celery, and try a main course like chicken or turkey.
Cleaning or Storing the Pot Improperly
After each meal, you should gently clean your pot with a mild detergent; this should take the food odors out and prepare the pot for the next use. Using a harsh scrubbing pad or sponge to clean the clay pot may remove the smell, but could damage the pot by loosening the ceramic particles, and parts of the pot could end up in your next dish. You can also put most clay pots in the dishwasher, as long as the water is not extremely hot. Storing your clay pot is fairly easy as well-make sure that you store your clay pot in a cool dry place, so that the pot can 'air out' before your next use. Keeping the pot in a cabinet or cupboard with other dishes may cause the pot to retain too many flavors, and could alter the taste of new dishes.
These tips can help you to get the most out of your clay pot, and prepare meals for years to come that your friends and family will enjoy. Once you get the hang of clay pot cooking, you may want to purchase an additional one to prepare more food, or to make two complimentary dishes at once.
Click here to learn more about how to properly use and care for your clay baker.
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