(Thanks to author Paula Wolfert for this information.)
Clay pots are fragile - they inevitably do break - but proper curing will harden them to the point that they can be used with a flame-tamer over direct heat.
Soak the entire dish in water to cover at least two hours or overnight. Drain and wipe dry. Rub the unglazed bottom with a cut clove of garlic (we are not sure how the garlic works, but why argue with tradition?) Fill the dish with water to 1/2 inch below the rim. Place the dish on a flame-tamer over low heat and slowly bring the water to a boil.
Let the liquid boil down until only a little remains. Do not allow all the water to evaporate as this may cause your cazuelas to crack. Cool slowly and wash. Your cazuela is ready for use in the oven or on the stovetop. Always heat and cool gradually when cooking. Rapid changes in temperature can cause breakage. Use a heat diffuser on gas stovetops.
This technique has been used since the Middle Ages. It seasons the pot, kills bacteria and hardens the unglazed parts.
To clean, soak in soapy water and scrub with a soft brush to remove any hardened food.
If you have not used the cazuela for an extended period of time, you may need to re-cure it before use.
11 Comments
Can I leave the bottom of my cazuela alone, soaking it for 2-3 hours and cook on the burner with water until boiling? I don’t like the garlic darkening the bottom nor the burnt oil color there.
Response:
You may skip rubbing the bottom with garlic. It adds some protection to the cazuela but it is not required.
Thankyou for the great instructions! Although I have done the curing method but haven’t used my dishes for a while, I’ve noticed some mold on one, how can I prevent it?
Can I use garlic infused olive oil on the base of my Canzuela rather than fresh garlic?
Yes, the process is convoluted, but it’s worth it. We have several cazuelas that serve us faithfully. Our newest one, alas, cracked during the curing process. I am assuming that something very small was wrong very deep on the inside. It happens. I’m crushed, but I will live. It is still beautiful and will serve other purposes. The others are intact and work beautifully.
Will this method also work for clay pots that are going to be used for drinking water?
Response:
Yes, this will work for clay pots used for water. In reality, you probably only need to soak the pot until it is fully saturated, and it should hold the water fine.