I was privileged recently to sit down to a juicy roast for dinner that was served with fresh steamed veggies followed by a tasty baked banana for dessert. When I asked how the meal was prepared I found out they had cooked everything in their clay cookware. Most of us will roast our poultry or bake our fish or cook fish, soup, and vegetables in the standard pots and pans - cookware made of copper, aluminum, glass, ceramic or stainless steel, aluminum. But around the globe there are populations who commonly cook in clay vessels. There are many in U.S. who have become big fans of cooking in clay as well and can't imagine not have clay cookware in their kitchens.
Thousands of years ago, Romans would prepare their meat by covering the food in clay and toss the "clay pot" into hot embers. As the moisture would leave the clay from the heat, the meat would be cooking on the inside of the pot. Once the clay dried, it would be pulled from the embers and cracked open to reveal the delicious, juicy, cooked meat inside.
Many consider clay cooking a healthy way to cook because the moisture released from the clay replaces the need to add extra oils and fats to the dish. Clay cookware must be soaked in water prior placing the ingredients inside so that the porous material can absorb the moisture that will later be released during the cooking process. Never place a clay pot into a pre-heated oven as it may cause it to crack. Instead place the filled pot into a cold oven prior setting the oven temperature, generally in the low to mid 400 degrees.
There are many wonderful recipes that have been adapted specifically for clay pot cooking. One such recipe called Beggar's Chicken. Made with chicken drumsticks, you add a variety of spices and including garlic, ginger and pepper as well as small amounts of flavorings from soy sauce and sherry. This is a very tasty and satisfying dish you can serve with side dishes such as risotto or rice pilaf and your family's favorite fresh veggie.
Clay pots also serve perfectly as slow cookers and stockpots too. You can make any number of your favorite soups, stocks, and casseroles in these versatile cookers. Whether you're in the mood for a rich pea soup, a creamy potato soup, a layered vegetarian casserole, or beef stew, the clay cookware cooks evenly and slowly producing perfectly flavorful foods your family is sure to enjoy.
This unique cookware is quite beautiful and comes in a variety of styles and sizes. One well-known manufacturer of quality clay cookware is Romertopf. They offer everything from bread pans to garlic bakers, fish roasters to apple bakers, and much more. So when you're ready to treat yourself to some new cookware, consider adding a special clay piece to the top of your list. Though once you buy one, you'll likely be hooked.
Thousands of years ago, Romans would prepare their meat by covering the food in clay and toss the "clay pot" into hot embers. As the moisture would leave the clay from the heat, the meat would be cooking on the inside of the pot. Once the clay dried, it would be pulled from the embers and cracked open to reveal the delicious, juicy, cooked meat inside.
Many consider clay cooking a healthy way to cook because the moisture released from the clay replaces the need to add extra oils and fats to the dish. Clay cookware must be soaked in water prior placing the ingredients inside so that the porous material can absorb the moisture that will later be released during the cooking process. Never place a clay pot into a pre-heated oven as it may cause it to crack. Instead place the filled pot into a cold oven prior setting the oven temperature, generally in the low to mid 400 degrees.
There are many wonderful recipes that have been adapted specifically for clay pot cooking. One such recipe called Beggar's Chicken. Made with chicken drumsticks, you add a variety of spices and including garlic, ginger and pepper as well as small amounts of flavorings from soy sauce and sherry. This is a very tasty and satisfying dish you can serve with side dishes such as risotto or rice pilaf and your family's favorite fresh veggie.
Clay pots also serve perfectly as slow cookers and stockpots too. You can make any number of your favorite soups, stocks, and casseroles in these versatile cookers. Whether you're in the mood for a rich pea soup, a creamy potato soup, a layered vegetarian casserole, or beef stew, the clay cookware cooks evenly and slowly producing perfectly flavorful foods your family is sure to enjoy.
This unique cookware is quite beautiful and comes in a variety of styles and sizes. One well-known manufacturer of quality clay cookware is Romertopf. They offer everything from bread pans to garlic bakers, fish roasters to apple bakers, and much more. So when you're ready to treat yourself to some new cookware, consider adding a special clay piece to the top of your list. Though once you buy one, you'll likely be hooked.
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