I. Introduction
A. Introduction to Clay Utensils
The usage of clay pots and pans dates back centuries. All-natural materials like clay are baked at high temperatures to ensure a strong and long-lasting end product. Kadai, Tawa, earthenware, and Matka are all examples of well-maintain clay cookware. These cooking utensils are admired not just for their aesthetic value but also for the special qualities they bring to the kitchen.
One of the best things about clay pots and pans is that they can hold and spread heat evenly. This makes sure that food is always cooked perfectly. Since it is so permeable, it may take on the scents and flavors of whatever is being cooked and contribute to the overall deliciousness of the dish. Also, clay cookware is healthy and safe because it doesn’t have any chemicals that are made in a lab.
B. Advantages of Using Clay Utensils
Here at Kachi Rasoi, we know the value of using clay in the kitchen. Clay cookware is not only beautiful and useful, but it also has several health advantages. The natural heat retention and distribution capabilities of clay cookware minimize over-cooking and scorching of food, allowing you to keep more of the meal’s beneficial components without sacrificing flavor. As a result, you get healthy meals that taste great.
Additionally, the natural ingredients used to create clay cookware and the fact that it may be used for multiple cooking cycles over many years make this material a great choice for anyone concerned about environmental impact. Clay cookware, in contrast to non-stick cookware, does not include chemicals like PFOA and PFAS, which can leach into food and cause health problems.
If you’re interested in trying your hand at clay oven cooking, Kachi Rasoi provides everything you need to get started. High-quality clay Kadai, Tawa, earthenware, and Matka are just a few of the options available in our collection of clay cookware. So that you can get the most out of your clay cookware, we also provide useful advice on how to use it and keep it in good condition.
II. How to Use Clay Kadai
A. First-time Use of Clay Kadai
The clay Kadai is an excellent first piece of clay cookware for anyone interested in exploring the world of clay cooking. Clay Kadais need to be seasoned before their first usage to prevent food from adhering and to preserve the surface.
Use warm water and a mild detergent to clean the Kadai. It should be washed and dried entirely in the air.
Apply a light coating of oil to the Kadai’s interior and exterior by rubbing it in. You can use any kind of oil for cooking, but something flavorless like vegetable or canola oil is recommended.
Kadai should be baked in a preheated oven at 200°C (400°F) for one hour. By doing so, the oil will be able to permeate the Kadai’s surface and produce a non-stick effect. Remove the Kadai from the oven and set it aside to cool to room temperature before using. In order to properly season the Kadai, you will need to repeat this process a total of three times.
B. Cooking with Clay Kadai
When your clay Kadai has been seasoned sufficiently, you can begin preparing meals. To help you make the most of your Kadai, consider the following suggestions.
The kadai should be heated slowly and not brought to a rapid boil. This will prevent cracking and promote uniform heating. Because metal implements can scratch the Kadai’s surface, it’s best to use a spatula or wooden spoon while stirring food.
If you want to keep your Kadai in good shape, you should stay away from extreme temperatures. In general, when cooking, use a medium flame. Whenever possible, avoid putting a lid on a hot pot or pan unless you really have to. There are clay lids available, but any heat-resistant material will do.
C. Maintaining Clay Kadai
It is essential to regularly clean and maintain your clay Kadai if you want it to last for many years of use. What I mean is this:
Use warm water and a mild detergent to clean the Kadai after each use. To ensure proper drying, rinse thoroughly, and then hang to dry. Food that has clung to the Kadai can be removed by soaking it in warm water for a few minutes before cleaning. Cleaning the Kadai with steel wool or other harsh materials can scratch the surface. Baking soda and water can be made into a paste and used to scrub the discoloured or stained surface of your Kadai clean with a soft cloth. Keep your clay Kadai out of the sun and in a dry location. Place a cloth in between each pot while stacking them to avoid scratching. When cared for properly, a clay Kadai will provide years of service in the kitchen.
III. How to Use Clay Tawa
A. First-Time Use of Clay Tawa
The first time you use your Clay Tawa, you’ll want to season it first. It’s important to clean the Tawa and dry it well before proceeding. After that, heat the Tawa for two to three minutes over medium heat with a thin coating of cooking oil spread across the surface. So that the Tawa is well seasoned, you should go through this process two or three times.
It is essential to warm the Clay Tawa before beginning any cooking. This will prevent food from sticking to the Tawa and promote uniform cooking. Pre-heat the Tawa for 7-10 minutes over medium heat.
B. Using a Clay Tawa for Cooking
Pancakes, crepes, flatbreads, and fried eggs are just few of the many dishes that lend themselves well to being cooked on a clay tawa. It works wonderfully for preparing grilled sandwiches, roasting veggies, and making stir-fry recipes.
If you’re using a Clay Tawa, it’s vital to only use a soft spatula so as not to scratch the surface. Plus, the temperature may be adjusted to perfection for consistent cooking.
C. Maintaining Clay Tawa
After each use, the Clay Tawa must be given a thorough cleaning. Clean it in warm water with a mild detergent. To protect the Tawa’s finish, you shouldn’t scrub it with steel wool or other abrasive materials.
It is essential that the Clay Tawa be totally dry before being stored. Keep it out of the light and in a dry, cool area. Wrapping it in a cloth will prevent scratches and keep dust off of it as well.
IV. How to Use New Matka: A Guide to Cooking with Earthenware Pots
A. Guide to Matka: A. Basic Procedures
New Matkas should be soaked in water for a few hours before being used for the first time. Because of this, the pot is less likely to shatter, and it keeps moisture for longer.
Soaking the matka is the first step; after that, it’s time to season the matka. Prepare the pot by coating it and the inside with oil and baking it for many hours. This procedure fortifies and safeguards the vessel.
It is recommended that the matka be heated gradually before using it for the first time. In order to avoid cracking or otherwise damaging the pot, it’s best to start with low heat and work up to higher temperatures gradually.
B. The Basics of Cooking with Matka
Stews, soups, curries, and more are all excellent candidates for cooking in a Matka. Matka is best used for slow-cooked foods.
Matka is best used in low and slow preparations. For slow-cooking meals like stews, curries, and soups, this pot is ideal because of its ability to retain heat. Matka requires that the lid be kept on at all times when cooking. Both the flavour and moisture of the food are preserved in this way.
C. Upholding Matka
Avoid using soap and hot water when washing Matka. The pot only needs to be washed in warm water and air dried. Matka should be kept dry when being stored. Don’t let the container get wet or sit in a humid area, as doing so will encourage the growth of mould and mildew.
Matka must be kept free from scratches and other damage when it is not in use. Wrapping it in fabric or putting it in a sturdy container are both good options for this.
V. The Benefits of Using Earthenware Cookware
There has been a recent trend in earthenware cookware as a healthier alternative to other cookware types, likely as a result of the growing number of health-conscious individuals. If you’re trying to live a healthier lifestyle, earthenware cookware is a terrific option because it offers several advantages over other materials. Here, we’ll discuss the advantages of utilising earthenware cookware, such as the pots’ durability, the materials’ ability to retain heat, and the health benefits associated with cooking with earthenware.
A. Earthenware Cookware vs. Other Cookware
To begin, let’s compare earthenware pots and pans to some of the other options out there.
Earthenware is a type of ceramic cookware that is manufactured from clay and then kiln-fired at very high temperatures to increase its durability and resistance to heat. No chemicals or pollutants will be leached into your food from earthenware pots and pans. As an added bonus, earthenware’s porous structure promotes uniform heating, making it a great choice for low-and-slow preparations like stews and soups.
In contrast, some metal and nonstick cookware may release toxic substances into your meal. Aside from being readily dented and scratched, metal cookware can also release metal particles into your meal. When cooked to high temperatures, non-stick cookware can leak toxic substances into the air.
B. Health Benefits of Using Earthenware Cookware
The use of earthenware cookware is highly recommended for individuals who are trying to make healthier food choices. Because of its porous composition, earthenware is able to take on the flavours of the food you cook in it, enriching the overall experience. Further, earthenware is inherently non-stick, so you can reduce the amount of fat, oil, and butter you use when cooking.
Cooking with earthenware is better for your health because no chemicals or poisons are leached into your meals. Earthenware is less likely to scratch or break than metal or non-stick cookware, so there is less risk of metal particles leaching into your food.
Topics Covered in Above post
- Provide a detailed explanation of the first-time use of each type of clay cookware (clay Kadai, Tawa, and Matka)
- Highlight the benefits of using earthenware cookware
- Provide a step-by-step guide on how to use each type of clay cookware
- Explain the rules and guidelines for using and maintaining clay cookware
- Discuss the benefits of using earthenware cookware over other types of cookware
- Provide tips for maintaining clay cookware for a long lifespan