How to Cook With a Clay Pot

Using a clay pot is a great way to create flavorful meals with all the juices locked in. You'll find many versions of the clay pot, ranging from the Tangine of Morocco to the lidless Spanish Cazula.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Clay pot
• Soft prush
• Pot holders
• Baking soda
• Paper towel

1. Clean the clay dust from a new clay pot using a brush and hot water. Never use soap or detergent to clean your cooker, these will get into your food the next time you cook.
2. Immerse the clay pot in cool water for at least 30 minutes, covering both the top and bottom.
3. Load the earthenware with your ingredients.
4. Place in a cold oven. Start low with the temperature and raise higher in slow intervals.
5. Use kitchen gloves or pot holders to remove clay pot from oven and serve right from vessel.
6. Allow the pot to fully cool. Using baking soda and water, gently scrub to remove any baked-on foods.
7. Store your clay pot with the lid inverted and placed inside. Put a paper towel between the lid and the bottom. Make sure the pot is completely dry before putting the lid into the pot for storage, or mold may develop.

Tips & Warnings

• Check food 15 minutes before it's due to come out, as the food will continue to cook in the clay pot.
• Always soak your clay cookware before cooking and follow the manufacturers' directions. Some pots require 6 hours of soaking.
• Add liquids sparingly. The food will release most of its own juices due while cooking.
• Use more salt than you normally do for clay pot cooking.
• Be sure that your clay pot is lead free. Look for a label that reads, "Contains no lead or cadmium."
• Never place a hot pot on a wet or cold surface, or the pot may crack.
• Never place clay cookware in a dishwasher.