This is UTSUWABI editorial staff.
This time, we will introduce various types of clay pots.
A clay pot takes up a lot of space and seems difficult to clean...
I think many people don't have one for these reasons.
A clay pot is a cooking utensil that can be used for a variety of dishes other than pot dishes.
It can be taken out as is, so it can be conveniently used by people living alone or in large groups.
In this article, we will explain in detail how to choose and care for earthenware pots, as well as table coordination using recommended products.
Would you like to start living with earthenware pots?
I want to see what kind of items are available first! If so, please take a look here.
How to choose a clay pot
Let's choose a clay pot based on the following points.
■Select by usage
Which one you choose should be decided based on what kind of dish you want to use it for.
・Shallow type if you mainly use hot pot dishes
Quoted from Hasenen official website
We all want to surround the hot pot! For such people, the shallow type is suitable.
The shallow depth prevents the ingredients from sinking to the bottom, allowing you to see at a glance what ingredients are inside.
Also, the wide mouth makes it easy to separate.
・“Deep type” type for mainly cooking rice and stews
Quoted from Hasenen official website
The deep type is characterized by the fact that it cooks evenly and does not boil over.
Therefore, if you want to cook delicious rice or use it for stew dishes such as oden and pot-au-feu, we recommend a deep type.
■Select by number of people
It is also a good idea to prioritize the size depending on the number of people who will be using it.
・For one person: Size 4-6
This size is extremely convenient, and you can enjoy porridge, rice porridge, nabeyaki udon, etc. just by adding rice or noodles to the ingredients you have in the refrigerator.
・For 2 to 3 people: Size 8
Standard size. It's perfect for pots, and there are many products to choose from.
・4 or more people: Size 9 or more
If you want to enjoy with a large number of people, size 9 or above is better.
However, large items are heavy, so be careful where you store them.
Since size 10 weighs over 3 kg, it is safe to store it in the bottom shelf of the cupboard.
■Select by material
When it comes to clay pots, Banko ware and Iga ware from Mie Prefecture are famous.
Both have a Japanese texture that gives you the warmth of the earth, but be sure to understand the differences and choose the one you like.
・Banko Ware
Banko-yaki earthenware pots are made of soil mixed with a mineral called petalite.
As a result, it is heat resistant and durable, making it difficult to crack even when used under high heat.
It seems to be suitable for people who often make hot pot dishes, not only in winter.
・Iga ware
It is made from rough soil around Iga City and is characterized by its thickness.
It has a high heat storage capacity, making it perfect for slow-cooked dishes such as oden.
Both Banko ware and Iga ware are made of water-absorbent pottery, so they are susceptible to odor and color transfer.
When preparing dishes with strong aromas such as curry, wash them immediately and dry them thoroughly.
・Ceramic
Ceramic clay pot has a smooth surface and is non-stick and easy to clean!
Unlike ceramics, there is almost no worry about odor or color transfer.
The appearance differs depending on the material, so it is important to imagine how it will look on the table when choosing.
■Select by function
・IH compatible
When using a clay pot, it is important that it can be used on your home stove.
If you are using an IH cooking heater, choose one that is compatible with IH.
Recently, the number of IH compatible products is increasing, and the options are expanding.
Recommended clay pots
Kamado-san 3-go cooking heat-resistant pottery Hasenen Iga ware
``Kamado-san'' is characterized by its rounded lid.
This is an excellent product that allows anyone to easily cook delicious rice.
The method of cooking rice is simple; just cook it for about 13 minutes over medium-high heat and let it steam for 20 minutes.
No need to adjust the heat and no boiling over!
Iga's coarse soil breathes like a wooden ohitsu, so the rice is not sticky.
If you extend the cooking time by about 1 minute, the rice will burn.
It looks stylish even when left in the kitchen.
IH clay pot No. 8 white heat-resistant pottery Banko ware
A pure white earthenware pot that doesn't look like anything else.
The shape of the lid knob is a little different.
The outside is made of ceramic, but the inside is made of three layers of metal and ceramic.
Therefore, it is compatible with IH, open fire, and oven.
As it has a simple design, it goes perfectly with any type of pottery.
It is very useful for menus of various genres such as Japanese food, Western food, hot pot, etc.
Iga clay pot Kuromaru heat-resistant pottery Hasenen Iga ware
As the product name Kuromaru suggests, it is a round-shaped clay pot that is soothing.
Although it is small in size, it is very convenient as it can be used for many purposes.
It can be used in the microwave or oven as it is, and can also be heated dry, so the range of dishes you can cook with is greatly expanded.
You can enjoy a variety of menus such as soup and porridge for one person, nabeyaki udon, and steamed clams in wine.
It would also be nice to make a set with a white circle of a different color and give it as a gift.
Rice pot 3 cups black Kamoka Dogu Shop
A uniquely shaped clay pot for rice.
There are no holes in the lid, so steam won't leak out and you can cook fluffy and delicious rice.
It also has heat retention and humidity control functions, so it can also be used as a “ohitsu”!
Once the rice is cooked, you can serve it on the table and serve it yourself, which will help your mother as well.
It's compact, so if you have leftover rice, you can store the entire pot in the refrigerator.
If you reheat it in the microwave, the humidity control effect of the pot will make it fluffy and taste like freshly cooked.
This is a convenient product for households where family members have different meal times.
Miso soup pot, small, heat-resistant pottery, Hasenen Iga ware
A pot with a cute and round shape.
The product is called a miso soup pot, but it can be used not only for soups but also for stews.
Because of the round shape, heat is transmitted evenly, and the residual heat after the fire is turned off allows the flavor to soak in.
We have heard some happy feedback, such as how children with small appetites are now eating more after using this pot.
Just having a hot pot with a warm and cozy atmosphere will make you look forward to your meal.
Heat-resistant one-handed porridge pot, brown, heat-resistant pottery, Iga ware
The shiny brown one-handed pot is perfect for making one bowl of rice porridge.
Since it cooks quickly, it can be used for stews and soups, and can also be used in the oven.
Once it's finished, it's convenient to be able to serve it to the table with just one hand.
A stylish small pot that doubles as a cooking utensil is a great thing because it reduces the amount of washing up.
It is convenient to have one for cooking small side dishes, as well as for those who live alone.
It's compact so it's easy to store.
Surprisingly easy! How to make clay pot rice
How to cook rice in a clay pot is surprisingly easy!
You can easily make delicious meals, so be sure to keep this in mind.
1． Toast the rice
Use a bowl to whisk the rice.
If you are particular about water, use mineral water or water that has been filtered through a water purifier. When the water becomes translucent, drain it in a colander.
2． Soaking
Place the boiled rice in a clay pot and pour cold water over it.
Then, level it out and soak it in water for 30 minutes (1 hour in winter).
If the rice is not new, you may want to add a little more water.
3． Cook the rice
Cover the rice and heat over medium heat until it boils.
The key is to boil it for about 10 to 15 minutes.
It's OK if steam comes out and bubbles are coming out vigorously from all over.
Once it boils, reduce the heat to low and heat for about 10 minutes.
If there is no moisture left on the surface, the rice is cooked.
4． Steam
Turn off the heat and leave to steam for 10 minutes without opening the lid.
Open the lid and stir with a rice scoop from the bottom to release excess steam.
The above method is just a guide, as the finish will vary depending on the type and thickness of the pot.
Try it many times to find the heating time and water level that you like.
How to use earthenware pots and other uses other than pot dishes
How to use a clay pot
First of all, after purchasing a clay pot, seal(Medome) it before using it.
Medging refers to soaking a container in rice water or the like and coating it with starch.
By sealing, the countless holes on the surface of the pottery are closed, preventing water leakage, cracking, and odor transfer.
Below, I will introduce a method of closing the rice porridge, which is often referred to as "making porridge."
<How to seal “Medome”>
1. Fill the earthenware pot with water until it reaches the eight-tenths mark
2. Add about a bowl of rice and loosen it slightly
3. Simmer uncovered on low heat for about 1 hour, stirring occasionally
4. Turn off the heat and leave until completely cool
5. Take out the porridge and wash it with water
Another method is to use rice water, flour, or potato starch.
However, recently there are some products that do not require sealing, so please check the instructions.
Uses for earthen pots It is convenient because it can be used for more than just pots!
How to use earthenware pots other than cooking in pots is as follows.
It's very convenient, so I'd like you to use it in many different ways.
1. Use as a steamer
A clay pot can also be used as a steamer.
To do this, simply lay out vegetables with a high water content such as Chinese cabbage, add water, and heat.
Once it boils, put meat, fish, shumai, etc. on it and heat it again to create a delicious steamed dish.
You can make simple and healthy dishes that bring out the flavor of the ingredients while preserving their nutritional value.
It is also good to use for desserts such as pudding.
2. Used in stew dishes
A feature of earthenware pots is that heat is transmitted slowly and the heat does not escape for a long time.
As a result, the time in the temperature range of 40 to 60 degrees Celsius is longer, where starch, which is abundant in rice and root vegetables, is easily broken down into sugar.
It brings out the sweetness of the ingredients and does not easily fall apart when cooked, so it is also recommended for use in stews such as pot-au-feu and stews.
3． Use for residual heat cooking
Once the temperature rises, it is difficult for the pot to cool down, and the clay pot retains its high temperature even after the fire is turned off, making it suitable for cooking with residual heat.
An eco-friendly cooking method that saves you money on utility bills because you can just turn off the heat and let it sit.
It's easy because you don't have to look at it all the time.
It is also convenient for boiling pasta etc.
Also, some people put bread dough in it and use it for fermentation.
Putting it in the oven as is will result in fluffy bread.
4. Use as a drink cooler
A clay pot can also keep it cold.
Therefore, if you add ice and a can or bottle of drink, it will stay cold for a certain period of time.
This is a great way to use it for home parties, etc.
Stylish table coordination using clay pots
Image taken from @saori_moon Instagram
The patterned platter stands out against the black clay pot.
Since the small bowls and bowls are plain colors such as white or brown, your eyes will naturally fall on the patterned ones.
By using patterned items as accents, you can enjoy a sharp coordination. 
A pure white clay pot is paired with a colorfully painted container.
Because the main dish is simple, the other pottery stands out and creates a gorgeous atmosphere.
If you are having a hotpot party, using patterned plates will make the dining table lively and bright.
A modern black earthenware pot paired with patterned bowl and bright lacquerware.
A plain pot will not look out of place even if you use a pot with a slightly flashy pattern or color.
It's also a good idea to use unique pottery to try out coordination that you wouldn't normally do.
If you are interested in clay pots
Image taken from @saori_moon Instagram
Although clay pots are often associated with winter, they can be used for a variety of dishes, from rice to desserts, so they can be used all year round.
If you don't have one yet, or if you're thinking about buying one but are unsure, why not refer to this article and find the best clay pot that suits your lifestyle.
You can expand your cooking repertoire and enjoy your meals even more.
Thank you for reading until the end. I hope you all find good works!