Benefits of cooking with claypot
Here are some of the reasons for the claypot's enduring popularity.
Eco-friendly option
Given that the base material is an environemntally-friendly substance, there is almost no eco-guilt when one accidentally cracks a claypot. Completely bio-degradable unlike teflon-coated utensils, the claypot is a great way to flex your green warrior credentials, apart from your culinary skills.
Aesthetically pleasing
Give your dining table an instant touch of rustic when you serve up great food in claypots. Even the simplest of fares takes on added appeal when the lid is taken off the claypot. Having claypots in the kitchen also adds old-school charm into what can sometimes look like a sterile environment. It just hints at a a serious chef at work.
Slow-cooking vessel
The claypot is ideal for slow cooking as its porous material allow for the even flow of heat and moisture. Unlike steel or metal containers, this allow cooks to just let meats to slow cook over a low fire for the most tender dish. It is also used as casserole dish – place it on oven for that perfect pot roast as the heat works its magic to every morsel of your favourite recipe.
Consistent serving temp
Terracotta is a bad conductor of heat but the advantage is the amount of heat it conducts is just about perfect to cook food without overheating or cooking at high pressure. Hence hot food remains hot and cold food remains cold longer. That is why some restaurants serve briyanis in claypots even though they were not prepared in them, It allows the food remain warm longer.
Juicy goodness
The main reason many cooks swear by claypots is that these utensils retain moisture when lid is properly closed, thus retaining greater flavour and aroma. Ask any claypot chicken rice fan and they will confirm that this is the gospel truth.
If your kitchen still lacks a claypot or two, do the necessary and add to your culinary armour.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Barnama
an hour ago
- Barnama
Malaysian Embassy In Jakarta Verifies information On citizen involved In Ferry Sinking
PUTRAJAYA, July 6 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian Embassy in Jakarta is working swiftly with Indonesian authorities to verify information that a Malaysian citizen may be among the victims of the sinking passenger ferry in Bali Strait. The Malaysian Foreign Ministry in a statement on Sunday said efforts to confirm the identities of those affected are ongoing. 'The Embassy has been in contact with Indonesian authorities from the outset and was initially informed that no Malaysians were involved in the incident.
The Sun
an hour ago
- The Sun
Zambry offers condolences on death of former Penang goalkeeper Firos Mohamed
KUALA LUMPUR: Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir has expressed his condolences to the family of former Penang goalkeeper Firos Mohamed, who passed away during the 'Legend All Star' 4-Corner Football Tournament at the Manjung Municipal Council Stadium. In a Facebook post, Zambry described the incident as a profound loss for Malaysian football. He stated, 'I have instructed that all necessary assistance be extended to Firos' family, including arrangements for the transport and burial of his remains, to ensure the process is handled smoothly.' The minister personally visited the hospital to meet the family and offer moral support. Firos, aged 53, collapsed during the match, which was part of the Dr Zambry Abd Kadir Cup, and was later pronounced dead. Zambry urged the public to pray for Firos, saying, 'My heartfelt condolences to the entire family. May they be granted strength and resilience during this difficult time.'
New Straits Times
an hour ago
- New Straits Times
SST and new electricity tariffs: Relief measures to ease transition
PUTRAJAYA: As Malaysia enters the second half of 2025, the government's fiscal recalibration through an expanded Sales and Service Tax (SST) and revised electricity tariffs mark a strategic move to strengthen national finances while prioritising the welfare of the rakyat. Despite early concerns over rising living costs, the rollout includes various measures designed to cushion the impact, especially for households and small businesses. From tax exemptions on personal care services such as haircuts, facials and manicures, to anticipated cash assistance and a more progressive electricity tariff system where higher usage brackets are charged more, the government appears to be listening and responding to public sentiment. For the average Malaysian, the mood is gradually shifting from anxiety to cautious optimism, as support mechanisms are in place to help those most in need. SST expansion with built-in relief The government has expanded the SST to cover more services and selected imported goods as part of efforts to boost revenue. However, following engagement sessions and public feedback, Prime Minister and Finance Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim recently announced tax exemptions for four imported fruits commonly found on Malaysian dining tables - apples, oranges, mandarin oranges and dates. He also raised the SST registration threshold for leasing and financial services from RM500,000 to RM1 million, offering relief to smaller businesses. Meanwhile, services such as haircuts, facials and manicures have been excluded from the expanded SST, a modest but welcome move that helps maintain the affordability of everyday self-care. "This move helps maintain the affordability of key food items and supports household purchasing power," said Bank Muamalat Malaysia Bhd chief economist Dr Mohd Afzanizam Abdul Rashid. Another key policy change taking effect this month is the revised electricity tariff, which affects more than 23.6 million domestic users in Peninsular Malaysia. The new rates, effective from July 1, 2025 until Dec 31, 2027, fall under the Incentive-Based Regulation (IBR) framework under Section 26 of the Electricity Supply Act 1990. The Energy Commission has set the average base tariff rate at 45.40 sen per kilowatt-hour, slightly lower than the 45.62 sen approved in December 2024. This adjustment is expected to reduce overall electricity costs while promoting energy-saving habits, particularly during off-peak hours. External challenges remain Despite domestic reforms, global uncertainties continue to weigh on Malaysia's economic outlook. Mohd Afzanizam warned that the upcoming expiry of the United States' temporary suspension of reciprocal tariffs on July 9 could increase pressure on Malaysian exports if Washington reimposes steep duties. However, the administration of US President Donald Trump has signalled the possibility of extending the suspension, a move that could offer short-term relief to Malaysian exporters, particularly in the electrical and electronics, palm oil, rubber and machinery sectors. Economists say such an extension would reflect a more measured US trade stance and could help stabilise global market sentiment, which is a much-needed breather for emerging economies navigating inflation, currency volatility and geopolitical risks. At the same time, ongoing tensions in the Middle East continue to fuel oil price fluctuations, adding pressure to Malaysia's fuel subsidy rationalisation efforts. Global price volatility could increase consumer costs and complicate the implementation of subsidy reforms. Relief measures and stronger fiscal footing While the government's fiscal reforms are geared toward long-term stability, public sentiment remains sensitive to immediate cost-of-living issues. Uncertainty still lingers over the implementation of RON95 fuel subsidy rationalisation and the full impact of SST and electricity adjustments on consumer behaviour. Nevertheless, there are signs of relief on the horizon. Mohd Afzanizam noted that there may be room for monetary easing, including a potential 25 basis points cut in the overnight policy rate (OPR) as early as this month (July 9). In a separate move, Bank Negara Malaysia's decision in May to reduce the statutory reserve requirement by 100 basis points had already injected about RM19 billion into the banking system, providing liquidity to support economic activity. "On the fiscal front, the government's disciplined approach appears to be yielding results. The fiscal deficit narrowed to RM22 billion or 4.5 per cent of gross domestic product in the first quarter of 2025, down from RM26 billion or 5.7 per cent in the same period last year. "Savings from the diesel subsidy rationalisation and SST reforms introduced in 2024 have opened up fiscal space, enabling the government to increase targeted assistance. The combined allocation for Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah has been raised to RM13 billion this year from RM10 billion in 2024. "This careful balancing act is supporting investor confidence and helping to preserve Malaysia's sovereign credit ratings," he said. International rating agencies like Moody's, S&P, and Fitch are expected to maintain Malaysia's current sovereign ratings, a crucial factor in attracting long-term foreign investment. As Malaysians adjust to this new fiscal environment, the coming months will test not only household resilience but also the government's ability to sustain reforms while protecting the wellbeing of the rakyat.
