Summary of Contents
Short overview: Origin and background of De silva cookware
The terracotta De Silva is ideal for slow cooking like in the oven, microwave, and flammable burner. The cookware brand was established in Italy in 1973, meaning it has been in circulation for some time. Terracotta harmonizes the exchange of flavors, enhances the flavors and gives the food an exceptional taste. Distributing the heat uniformly and gradually over the entire surface is significant here. The earthenware does not alter the nutritional principles, prevents fat transformation into fatty acids and glycerine, substances harmful to the body, and keeps the food warm.
The cracks in the coating are due to the material’s porosity. Boil the cookware with water and vinegar. This little trick will alleviate the seepage characteristic of the liquid due to the material’s porosity. To delete the previous cooking flavors, washing the dishes with hot water and ordinary detergent is essential. Leave the pot to dry completely before storing it; this will prevent the release of odors.
How to cook with De Silva cookware?
De Silva cookware is all about the clay and terracotta pots and pans. Cooking in terracotta results in a moist, even heat that remains in the pan long after it is taken from your oven, helping to keep food warm. The pans can also be used for frying, roasting, or casseroles. The clay can retain and transmit flavors between meals, so many people prefer to cook sweet and savory items in different pots. Very fine cracks can form in the glaze inside your pot over time. These are not defects but allow the water’s micro vapors to be released into the food during the cooking process. Let us see a complete cooking and maintenance process of the De Silva cookware,
Step-1: Soak in water
First, wash the pan thoroughly in warm water. Do not use detergent or soap, as this may block the delicate pores in the clay. Next, completely submerge the pot in room temperature water. How long your terracotta pan needs to be immersed in water varies. The general rule is the longer, the better, particularly for larger pieces. Water cures the terracotta and needs time to soak in effectively, adding strength and weight. Our suppliers recommend four to 24 hours of soaking for thicker pans and two to four hours for smaller pieces up to 6 inches. The pan will absorb a considerable amount of water. Even if the casseroles are destined for cooking purposes straight away, a good soaking is always recommended, as it will ‘toughen up’ your terracotta for more durability and a longer lifespan.
Step-2: Seasoning De Silva cookware
Once your pans and lids have been soaked in water, drain and wipe them dry. They are now ready to be introduced to heat. For the initial heating, fill your terracotta pot with water just below the rim and gently heat it on the stove or in the oven, gradually turning up the heat to bring the water to a boil. Let the liquid boil down until about only a half cup remains. Cool slowly and rinse. Use a flame diffuser if heating the pan on a gas stove. A diffuser is not required on an electric range.
The Spanish terracotta cookware can become extremely hot, so handle it carefully during and after cooking. Terracotta also has outstanding insulating qualities and will keep hot food longer than other cookware. When serving food in terracotta, it is worth keeping in mind that the piece will remain hot for longer than expected, even if it has been on the table for some time. So be sure to use oven mitts when handling the pan, and place the pan on a trivet, wooden board, or folded towel after removing it from your oven. Placing a hot pan on a cold work surface can cause cracking.
Step-3: Start cooking
Your pan has now had its first seasoning and is ready for use. The process of immersing it in water only needs to be done once, not each time it is used, though you can briefly rinse the pot and lid before each use to get it wet. Cooking in the casserole pan will continue to season and cure the terracotta, so the more you enjoy cooking in your clay dishes, the longer they will last. Do not put cold food straight into a hot terracotta pan unless you first heat some oil in the bottom. Again, you are trying to avoid thermal shock.
Step-4: Cleaning De Silva cookware after cooking
After using your casserole pan, we recommend washing your terracotta by hand, although it can be placed in the dishwasher. Always allow the pot to cool before putting it in cold water. Avoid abrasive scourers. Instead, use a little baking soda with a soft brush or sponge to clean the pan. For more stubborn marks, soak the pan in soapy water for as long as necessary. Rinse well and allow it to air dry completely before storing. Do not leave the lid on the pan when storing it in the cupboard.
Is De Silva cookware safe?
It is entirely safe cookware and compatible with the oven, flammable burner, and all other stovetops. As the signature product is clay and terracotta, it can be considered heat-friendly, and you can also use it at medium to high temperatures. But here is a simple consideration: not put a hot clay pot on a cold or cool surface because there is a possible chance of cracking and dismantling. So when taking a hot pot out of the oven, put on a plank of wood or heat-resistant trivet. So the summary is that you can undoubtedly use this cookware in every possible scenario.
