How to season clay pots and pans (why season them)
Clay pots look so beautiful and colorful ! When we buy one, we can’t wait to use it to cook a delicious meal with that special flavor these pots give. That’s why we’ll tell you how to season a new clay pot.
These pots must be seasoned before being used for the first time. This is the only way to ensure their longevity.
When we cure our pot, we close those possible pores that this type of container commonly has because it is made of a natural material.
Let’s always remember the following simple steps to do so, and thus ensure that they last much longer.
How to cure unglazed clay pots
If you want to know how to season a clay pot before using it, we’ll tell you 3 simple, hassle-free ways to do it:
With grease or oil
We will need:
-Fat or oil
-Brush
-Clay pot
We will do it in the following way:
1- First, wash the pot thoroughly to remove any dust or other residue. Let the pot soak for a few minutes and then let it dry in the sun.
2- Now, using a brush, brush the melted fat or oil over the pot. We’ll do this on the inside and outside of the pot, leaving nothing behind, including the lid.
3- Place on the stove over medium heat and let it heat up well without letting it burn.
It’s recommended that once this process is complete, you prepare a broth so the pot absorbs all the flavor of the preparation. This pot can only be used for savory dishes.
Done, it’s ready to use!
With garlic
We will need:
– 1 Head of garlic
-Clay pot
We will do it in the following way:
1- Wash the pot thoroughly and let it sit in water for about 15 hours. This will close any pores it may have.
2- After this time, remove the pot from the water and rub the garlic cloves over the entire surface. Make sure to cover everything; leave nothing uncovered. Let it dry thoroughly in the sun.
3- When it’s completely dry, fill it with water and bring to a boil over high heat. Let it boil until almost all the water is gone.
4- Remove from heat and let cool. Then wash it well, and it’s ready to use!
With banana
This method of seasoning clay pots and casseroles is ideal for using them to make sweet dishes. For example, it would be ideal for making rice pudding.
We will need:
-Clay pot
-1 or 2 Bananas
We will do it in the following way:
1- As in the previous steps, wash the pot or casserole dish thoroughly. Let it dry completely.
2- Now we’ll take the pot and rub the banana pulp over the entire surface and inside, and if necessary, the peel. We’ll do this by pressing the banana down on the pot. Remember to rub the lid of the pot as well.
3- Once we have finished, we let it dry directly under the sun’s rays.
4- Now we place the pot in the oven over high heat. We leave it there for about 30 minutes and then turn off the oven.
5- Once the pot or casserole is cold, wash it thoroughly to remove any remaining banana residue. Let it dry, and it’s ready to use!
How to cure a glazed clay pot
Many people say that glazed clay pots don’t need to be seasoned. This is actually true, but if you want to ensure your pot lasts longer, you should follow these steps:
We will need:
– Bucket of water
– Garlic cloves
We will do it in the following way:
1- We will start by washing our pot, being careful not to hit it so that the enamel does not crack.
2- We will leave the pot in a bucket soaking in clean water for approximately 10 hours.
3- After this time, remove from the water and dry well.
4- Then we’ll add the garlic cloves, pressing down on the pot so they’re evenly coated. We’ll do this inside and out. Let it dry.
5- Finally, fill the pot with water to the top and put the lid on. Let it boil for about 10 minutes.
This is how we’ll season our clay pot effectively and practically. Be sure to do this before using it, otherwise, as we mentioned earlier, we risk breaking it.