Clay Cooking for Healthier Meals

By Jana Banks

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.

Clay pot cooking can trace its roots back thousands of years to a time when prepared meats were swaddled in mud and tossed into the hot embers of a fire. Then, as the clay dried in the heat, the food began cooking inside. Once the cooking was finished, the "pot" was broken open and the cooked and juicy meat was removed for eating.

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.

You'll find an array of recipes available that have been adapted for cooking in clay. One example of a tasty dish is Beggar's Chicken. You simply combine chicken legs with a few spices such as ginger, pepper, and garlic plus some flavoring sauces such as sherry and soy. After baking in your clay cooker, serve with a side of rice pilaf, pasta and a fresh salad or vegetable.

You can even use a covered clay pot as a stockpot for soup or a slow cooker for your favorite chili or stew. This versatile cookware is perfect for making casseroles, stocks, and more. If you're in the mood for homemade soup, why not make a batch of thick pea soup or cheesy potato soup? You can create a tasty vegetarian casserole or a chunky chicken stew. You and your family are sure to enjoy the fantastic flavors produced by these great slow cookers.

Not only is clay cookware functional, but it's very attractive and perfectly useful as serveware too. Romertopf is a company that produces a popular clay cookware line that offers a great variety of pots in different sizes and styles. You'll find apple and banana bakers, fish roasters, maxi bakers for a big Thanksgiving turkey, garlic bakers, and much more. Next time you're ready to buy some new cookware for your home, take a look at some of the great clay cookware available and treat yourself to a piece or two - you'll be glad you did. - 17274

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Finish off your meal with a delicious homemade cake made in this Kaiser Springform Pan. You can't beat the quality and lasting durability of Kaiser Bakeware.