Clay Pot for Cooking | Terracotta Pots | Earthen Pots | Ecocraft India (2024)

FAQs

What is clay pot called in India? ›

Indian clay pots are earthenware pots that have been used for centuries for Indian cooking. They are unglazed, free of any toxic materials or lead, and are 100% eco-friendly. The cookware is known by multiple names such as handi, matka, and manchatti.

As clay pots are alkaline in nature, it interacts with the acidity in the food, hence neutralising the pH balance and making it healthier. As they are heat-resistant and the dish cooks slowly, you can cut down on extra oil, such as vegetables.

One of the significant disadvantages of cooking in clay pots is that they are fragile. They can easily crack or break, which can be frustrating when preparing a meal. However, with proper care, clay pots can last for many years. Cooking in clay pots can take longer than traditional cooking methods.

To identify glazing in clay cookware, look for a smooth and shiny surface on the interior and/or exterior of the pot. Glazing is a coating of glass that is fused to the surface of the clay during firing, and it creates a non-porous, waterproof layer that seals the clay and prevents it from absorbing liquids or odours.

The clay pot or 'handi' is integral to many Indian kitchens, used for cooking lentils, curries, rice, and biryanis. The dish typically consists of fish fillets simmered in a spicy, tangy curry base, often featuring coconut milk. The clay pot enhances the flavor of the curry and imparts a distinctive earthy aroma.

Earthenware pots are made of low-fired clay. They are not as durable as pots made of high-fired clay. They are water-permeable unless glazed. Earthen pots refer specifically to water vessels low-fired clay, used to store and cool water.

According to Ayurveda Specialist at Dr. Vaidya's, Dr. Surya Bhagwati, “cooking in a clay pot not only has a variety of health benefits but also makes for an easier cooking process and in the end, a more flavorful and nutritious dish. Due to its numerous health benefits, Ayurveda suggests cooking in a clay pot.

DON'TS WITH CLAY PRODUCTS

✔ Never add cold ingredients or cold water in a clay pot that is already heated, because this can cause the pot to crack. If it is necessary to add more liquid to the pot during cooking, only pour a hot liquid into it.

Yes. Most Clayware are microwaving safe. If you heat up in the microwave, nothing would happen either to food or to Earthenware Pot. It might get a bit warm, but it will stay intact and will cause zero harm to the food.

It's a common mistake to confuse any kind of clay to be good enough for clay pot cooking. In order to be healthy, the clay has to be in the purest form. The only clay that is suitable for making healthy cooking pots is primary clay because it is void of natural contaminants like mica.

What type of clay is used for cooking pots? ›

There are essentially 3 types of clay bodies used for cooking in clay; Stoneware (most Common), earthenware, and flameware.

Clay cookware heats up more slowly and more evenly than metal, and it holds and distributes heat more diffusely. Those qualities are what make it ideal for simmered soups and curries, for braises or tender baked meats where the juices create self-basting steam, and for evenly and perfectly cooked rice or beans.

​Clay pots also come glazed or unglazed. The glaze seals the porous surface of the clay. A glazed pot will absorb heat more evenly, it's easier to clean and you won't have to 'season' it. On the down side, it also stops the circulation of the steam and the absorption of the water.