Sand pots are earthenware pots with a rough exterior and glazed interior used in Chinese cooking. They are made of terra cotta clay and can be used for baking or cooking on the stove. Metal utensils should be avoided, and they should not be placed on cold surfaces.
A sandpot is an earthenware pot that has a rough, unglazed exterior and a smooth, glazed interior. The term “sand pot” is a reference to the texture of the pot’s exterior, rather than a comment on the type of clay used. Sand pots are used extensively in Chinese cooking, and some other cultures have a version of the sand pot for clay pot cooking, an immensely popular cooking technique that is in use around the world.
Many sand pots have been reinforced with wire to ensure they are particularly sturdy. The pot usually has a tight-fitting lid that can sometimes be locked with wire and one or two handles, depending on the style. The glazed interior holds in the juices, ensuring the sand pan doesn’t get stained or infused with the smell of previous cooking adventures.
Sand pot cooking uses a pot of sand to make a one-pot dish. The glaze keeps food moist and flavorful as it cooks, with vent holes in the lid allowing steam to escape so the pot doesn’t explode. Many Chinese earthenware dishes are served in the same sand pots in which they are cooked, greatly increasing the efficiency of the meal, as people can eat directly from the pot if they wish. In a sand pot you can prepare stews, curries and a wide variety of other dishes.
The sand pots are made from terra cotta clay that has been fired at a high temperature, ensuring they will withstand considerable heat in the kitchen. Dishes prepared in a sand pot can be baked or cooked on the stove, and sand pots can also be buried in a fire for more rustic cooking. If the sand pot is to be used in cooking, it’s a good idea to submerge and preheat it in the oven so it doesn’t crack from heat shock. We recommend using wooden, silicone or plastic utensils with a sand pan, as metal utensils can damage the glaze.
Pots of hot sand should never be placed on tile, metal or cold surfaces, as this can cause a temperature differential significant enough to crack the pot. Instead, a pot of sand should be placed on a wooden coaster or thick towel to allow the heat to dissipate naturally. After use, the sand pots can be washed with warm water and inverted to dry. The use of soap is not recommended, as it can alter the taste of the food: for stubborn stains, baking soda and a soft cloth can be used to remove the stain without damaging the pan.
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