Must Have Clay Utensils for Cooking

Have you ever experienced how food tastes different when prepared in your grandmother’s old clay pot? That’s the magic of clay utensils for cooking.

In today’s generation, where steel cookware and non-stick pans are ruling Indian kitchens, clay utensils have made a comeback, reminding us of old-time practices where meals were prepared in harmony with nature. Many Indian households are staying to their roots by using clay utensils for cooking.

Are you looking for utensils that not only enhance the flavor of food but also provide several health benefits?
In this blog, we will explore the must-have clay utensils for cooking that every household should consider if you want chemical free and healthy way of cooking meals.

Popular Types of Clay Utensils for Cooking

1. Clay Cooking Pots

Clay pots are one of the most popular choices among all clay utensils for cooking. They are ideal for cooking rice, curries, dals and gravies. Helps in retaining moisture and circulate heat evenly. Also, enhances the earthy flavour of food.

From a health point of view: By preserving essential nutrients, clay pots make your dish not only tastier but also healthier.

2. Earthenware Water Pots (Matkas)

These earthen pots have been used for generations to keep water naturally cool. These are widely known as matkas in India. Unlike refrigerators, water stored in an earthenware pot stays fresh and enriched with minerals from the clay. Best for Drinking water in summers to maintain natural hydration.

Did You Know? Chefs recommend using earthen pots for authentic slow cooking as food cooked in a clay handi retains more nutrients compared to food prepared in steel cookware.

3. Clay Tawa (Griddle)

A clay Tawa is also one of the most loved among clay utensils for cooking. It is often used for making rotis, parathas, flatbreads, or even dosa. The clay’s porous structure ensures the bread stays soft and flavorful for a longer period of time.

Did You Know?
Cooking on a clay tawa uses less oil and helps in retaining more nutrients in your food.

4. Clay Kadhai

A clay kadhai is a traditional must have utensil which is best for preparing curries, gravies or frying dishes. It distributes heat evenly, which reduces the need for excess oil. The earthy flavor and health-friendly cooking process make it a great alternative to steel or non-stick kadais.

Did You Know?
Cooking in a clay kadhai improves the taste of spices, making your curries richer and more aromatic.

5. Clay Tea and Coffee Cups (Kulhad)

Ever sipped tea from a roadside kulhad? The rustic charm of tea or coffee served in clay cups is unmatched and it adds another level of taste to your beverages. These are lightweight and eco-friendly. Best for Tea, coffee, lassi, or buttermilk.

6. Clay Curd Pot

A clay curd pot is the healthiest way to set thick, creamy, and probiotic-rich curd. Clay’s natural cooling properties create the perfect environment for fermentation, resulting in curd that tastes fresher than the one set in steel or plastic containers. Best for making fresh homemade curd, shrikhand, and yogurt-based dishes.

Did You Know?
Clay pots not only keep curd cool naturally but also improve its shelf life without refrigeration.

7. Clay Baking Pots

Clay baking pots are used for slow-baking breads, cakes, and casseroles. The porous material circulates steam during baking, keeping food soft, moist, and evenly cooked.

Did You Know?
Many traditional bakeries across India and the world still use clay ovens (tandoors) because they help in retaining heat longer.

8. Clay Serving Bowls and Plates

They are best for serving sabzi, dal, rice, and full meals. Clay bowls and plates add a rustic and traditional touch to your dining table. They keep food warm for a longer period of time and enhance presentation with their earthy charm.

Did You Know?
Serving in clay bowls and plates makes meals feel homely and healthier.

Benefits of Clay Utensils for Cooking

1. Retains Nutrients in Meals:

One of the biggest advantages of clay utensils for cooking is their ability to retain natural vitamins and minerals. Metal cookware sometimes reacts with acidic ingredients which reduces nutritional value. But clay pots retain nutrients.

2. Eco-Friendly and Sustainable Alternative:

Clay utensils are biodegradable and sustainable. Choosing clay utensils for cooking is not only healthier but also a contribution to a sustainable planet. They are 100% natural and safe.

3. Enhanced Flavor:

Clay utensils add a mild earthy aroma that enhances taste that no metal or glass utensils can offer. When spices are cooked in clay pots, it release deep flavors  making dish more authentic and delicious.

4. Healthier Cooking with less oil:

Clay utensils naturally retain moisture and prevent food from drying out. This means you can cook with less oil which, makes your meals healthier and lighter.

5. Natural Cooling Properties:

This is an environment-friendly alternative, especially during the high peak summer days. Clay is widely used for storing drinking water in earthen pots (matkas). Clay has natural cooling properties that keep water at a refreshing temperature without electricity.

Care Tips for Clay Utensils

• Always soak new clay utensils in water for a few hours before use.
• Do not use harsh detergents. Always wash with mild soap and warm water.
• Dry properly before storing to avoid cracks.
• Handle with care, as clay is fragile compared to metal.

Final Thoughts

Clay utensils for cooking are proving to be the healthiest choice in kitchens as compared to metal or glass utensils. In a world full of chemical coated cookware and junk food, clay utensils are the superheroes that connect the current generation with childhood memories. These utensils are not just for cooking; they are also a nostalgic piece of culture served on your dining table. Eating rice from a clay pot or drinking water from a matka reminds us that the old ways are often the healthiest and the best.

Cooking the Old Way, Learning the New Way with NFCI!

If you love cooking and want to master traditional and modern cooking methods, NFCI is an ideal place to begin your journey.

At NFCI (National Finishing and Cookery Institute), we blend tradition with innovation in the culinary world. Here are the reasons why aspiring chefs and food lovers choose us:

• 35+ years of legacy in hospitality and culinary education
• Government-approved courses
• Pan-India presence with 21 campuses
• Highly experienced chefs and trainers
• Practical training with industry exposure
• Dual National and International Accreditation
• 100% Placement assistance

Start your culinary journey with NFCI today – where tradition meets innovation!