Stew Pot 25 cm

Description

WHAT IS A SPANISH TERRACOTTA STEW POT?

For many thousands of years Pereruela terracotta dishes have been manufactured in this region. The clay has amazing refractory properties which has been recognised throughout the ancient and modern world. Terracotta pottery is ubiquitous throughout Spain but the terracotta dishes of Pereruela have been recognised as probably the best.

WHY ARE THESE TERRACOTTA DISHES SO GOOD?

Pereruela terracotta dishes are hand-made by experienced potters made with two types of clay; slow drying red clay which gives the pot its strength and white clay, containing quartz, feldspar and mica which give the pots their incredible refractory properties. The pots are dried, glazed and fired for 10 hours. The glaze on the paella dish is perfectly safe for all applications — it contains no lead.

HOW DO I PREPARE MY DISH?

On first use, terracotta cooking dishes need to be soaked for 30 minutes in cold water to prevent the pot from cracking when used. Thereafter the dishes can be used as ovenware, stove top or microwave.

WHAT DO I USE MY STEW POT FOR?

Because this pot can be used on the hob, under gentle heat, it means that it can be used throughout the process of making a stew, meaning you don’t lose any of those essential flavours by changing pans – and in so doing, creating a mountain of washing up. The rustic nature of this pot means that it’s ideal for hearty stews. It is lidded which means that you can keep the moisture in and the wonderful refractory nature of the pot makes it perfect for the slow, gentle cooking needed for a stew.

When cooking with terracotta, the key is to increase and decrease heat gradually to avoid cracking and shattering the dishes.