Clay pots, such as the Japanese donabe and Spanish cazuela, have been used for centuries due to their even heat distribution. Donabe pots can be used on most heat sources and are ideal for dishes with a soup or broth base. They are also aesthetically pleasing and keep food hot at the table. It’s important to rehydrate the pot before use and avoid using sharp utensils or abrasive scrubbers.
Over the centuries, almost all cultures have used clay as a material for cooking pots. In Japan, traditional clay pots are called donabe pot, while in Spain they are called cazuela and cooks in Africa call their clay pots a lidded tagine. The porous surface of the clay allows for even distribution of heat throughout. A donabe pot can be used on most heat sources, including stovetops, conventional ovens, and microwave ovens.
The cooking method in a donabe pot is extremely simple. As soon as you buy a donabe, fill it with tap water and let it sit for several hours until all the water has been absorbed. You don’t need to rehydrate the pot with every use, but if the pot has been sitting in the pantry for an extended period of time, be sure to rehydrate the pot before using it again. It’s important to make sure the outside of the pot is dry before using it for cooking, as moisture could cause it to crack.
While the donabe pot is extremely versatile, it should only be used to cook dishes with a soup or broth base such as miso soup or a stew-type recipe. Due to their porous texture, you should never attempt to cook completely dry foods or fry foods in oil in these pans. Dishes that benefit from a fusion of flavors are ideal for preparing in a donabe pot as the even heat distribution allows for a sublime blending of flavours. Clay pots never get hot at any point, nearly eliminating the need for stirring. And because you rarely have to lift the lid to stir, even the toughest choice of meats and vegetable chunks simmer until tender in their own juices and retain all their nutrients for maximum health benefit.
Most Donabe pots are as beautiful to look at as they are functional, making the transition from stove to table a simple one-step process. An added benefit of cooking and serving in a donabe pot is that the clay keeps the food hot for quite some time at the table. Once you’re done with your meal, gently clean the pot with a mild detergent and rinse thoroughly. Sharp utensils or abrasive scrubbers should never be used on the donabe pot as the possible scoring caused can affect the overall texture of the cooking surface.
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