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Mexican Pottery Cooking Pots
These are some examples of
various traditional pots are used in Mexican cooking. These pots are made of earthenware
or "clay" or in Spanish "barro". These pots are low-fired and
are glazed only on the inside of the pot.
Clay has been traditionally used in Mexican cooking
because the clay imparts a specific flavor to the foods that
can't be reproduced in a metal pot. Due to the
documented health hazards, lead glazed clay pots are not
recommended for use. Only pots stamped "safe for food use" should be
used for cooking.
mexican earthenware mole pot
Before Use
(Lead free/safe lead pots only)
You should use a simple seasoning process
before you use the pot. Fill the pot with water and place it over a direct flame. If
you have an electric stove then you should use a diffuser or buy a small portable gas
burner. Allow the water to boil for a few minutes then remove from the heat and discard.
How to Use
In Mexico these pots are used over a direct
flame. As we mentioned above if you have an electric stove then you should use a
diffuser or buy a small portable gas burner.
Avoid rapid temperature changes. As with
all clay cookery you should not move a cold pot to a hot flame or vice versa. Allow
the pot to warm to room temperature before use. The pots are fragile and should be
handled carefully.
Lead Glazes
Although Mexican peoples have been using these pots for centuries you should be aware that
the glazes most commonly contain lead. The FDA recommends that you never
cook, OR store
foods in these pots as foods can absorb the lead when exposed to
lead in the glaze. This is particularly true
with acidic foods such as orange, tomato and other fruit juices, tomato
sauces, wines, and vinegar.
**Important: The FDA Requires that any pots
that contain lead be marked "for decorative use only".
photo by gourmetsleuth: chirmolera -
pottery grinding bowl
cazuela - for stews and sauces
Credits and Resources
Mexican, Healthy
Ways with a Favorite Cuisine
Authentic
Mexican : Regional Cooking...by Rick and Deann Bayless
Mexican Beverages - Our page dedicated to the varieties
of traditional Mexican Beverages.
olla for beverages
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About Earthenware
The low-firing process
produces a softer more fragile pot. This type of pot releases heat very slowly and
therefore is very desireable for cooking things for long periods such as beans, soups,
stews and sauces.Pot Uses
Mole is traditionally made in very large,
wide, double-handled cazuelas. Some of these pots are huge at least 2 feet or more across.
They're just beautiful but quite difficult to ship safely so they may be hard to
find depending on where you live.
Mole
(moh-Lay) - A sauce that varies in content depending on the region. The traditional
red mole contains chilies, garlic, nuts, tomato, spices and chocolate. It is
important to note that the amount of chocolate is very small and enhances but does not
overpower the sauce. The sauce is served with turkey or chicken. Mole does not
use the Mexican flavored chocolate but instead a dark bitter, unspiced version.
Frijoles
Frijoles (beans) are cooking in tall ollas with a lid.
mexican pottery bean pot
Other Mexican Recipes
Mexican
Hot Chocolate - Mexican chocolate mixed with warmed milk then frothed with a
molinillo.
Champurrado - A special hot chocolate thickened with masa
and flavored with piloncillo and aniseeds.
Atole - A warm almost porridge-like drink made thick with masa.
The chocolate version is Champurrado, other versions are flavored with fruits or nuts.
Mole - Made with chilies, garlic, nuts, tomato, spices and
chocolate.
Buy Online
GourmetSleuth - We carry a complete line of traditional
Mexican cooking items such as molcajetes, tortilla presses, metate y mano, comals, and
lemon/lime squeezers. We can also accept special orders for items you don't find on our
web site. Please email or call.
Black clay bean pot from
Columbia. Available
at Gourmetsleuth.com
Mexican Bean Pot, Lead Free Available at Gourmetsleuth.com
Clay Pot Care
Always allow the pot to cool
before you wash it or you may crack the glaze and spoil the pot. After use soak the
pot in warm soapy water then scrub as needed with a non-abrasive pad. Make sure to
rinse the pot well and allow to air dry. If you don't use your pot very often then
you may want to use the "seasoning" process each time before use.
Rick Bayless mentions that some cooks suggest rubbing the unglazed pot exterior with a
clove of garlic to eliminate some of the "earthy" taste. Many cooks would
agree however that the reason to use the pot is for that very reason.
Never, ever put your clay pot in the dishwasher!
Dark Clay Pots from El Salvador
These beautiful hand made clay
pots are from El Salvador. The pieces are made lead free from natural regional clay.
The finish is made from Nacascul berries which are made into a resin and applied
while the pots are red hot. Their rich, dark finish is naturally food safe. These
pots are avaiable for sale upon request and subject to stock on hand. For more
information please view our online selection:
El Salvador Clay Pots
dark clay pots and comales from el Salvador
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