Plain Earthen Clay/Handi Pots with Lid for Matka Chicken Egg Biryani.

Clay Handi Pot with Lid, Plain Earthen Cooking Pot

This clay handi pot with lid is a plain earthen cooking pot for biryani, curries and slow-cooked dishes. It can be used on a gas stove or an open fire, and one photo shows the medium size at 17.5cm across.

The clay handi pot with lid keeps food moist, tender and fresh for longer, because clay lets heat and moisture move evenly through the pot. It is handcrafted, so small variations in size and shape may occur, and extra sand in the clay adds strength.

Key features of the clay handi pot with lid

• Lid included: locks in heat and moisture.
• Earthen clay: handcrafted, with extra sand for strength.
• Gas stove or open fire: as the listing states.
• Even cooking: heat moves gently through the clay.
• Size shown: medium, 17.5cm.

What to cook

• Chicken and egg biryani.
• Dal and curries.
• Rice and pulao.
• Slow-cooked meat and vegetables.

First use

Soak the pot and lid in water for a few hours before first use, then let them dry. Start cooking on a low flame and raise the heat slowly, as sudden heat can crack clay.

Care

Wash gently by hand with warm water and a soft brush, avoid harsh detergents and soaking for long, and let the pot dry fully before storing.

Cooking in clay

Clay has been used for cooking for thousands of years. It heats gently and holds warmth well, so curries, dal and rice cook evenly and stay hot on the table. Many cooks say food cooked or served in clay tastes earthier and more traditional. Clayware like the clay handi pot with lid brings that tradition to your kitchen.

Seasoning new clay

Before first use, soak clay in water for a few hours and let it dry. Some cooks also rub the inside with a little oil. Always heat clay slowly and avoid sudden changes of temperature, such as putting a hot pot on a cold, wet surface. Looked after like this, the clay handi pot with lid will last for years.

Who it is for

Clayware like the clay handi pot with lid suits families who love home-cooked curry and rice, restaurants with a traditional menu, and anyone looking for natural, rustic tableware.

Serving ideas

Serve biryani, karahi, dal or kheer straight from clay for a traditional touch. Garnish with fresh coriander and fried onions for colour. Clayware like the clay handi pot with lid makes a family meal feel special.

Natural and eco-friendly

Clay is a natural material made from earth and fired to shape it. With care it lasts a long time, and it brings a warm, handmade feel to the table. Choosing the clay handi pot with lid is a simple, natural choice.

Storing clay

Store clay pieces in a dry, airy cupboard, never while still damp, and place a sheet of kitchen paper between stacked pieces to protect the edges. Stored like this, clayware like the clay handi pot with lid stays strong and fresh.

Clay and flavour

Many cooks find that clay brings out a deep, earthy flavour in slow-cooked food. Cook on a low to medium heat and give dishes time; the results are worth it. Clayware like the clay handi pot with lid rewards patient cooking.

A rustic table

Natural clay looks beautiful with wooden boards, brass or copper serving pieces and simple white plates. Clayware like the clay handi pot with lid brings a warm, rustic feel to any meal.

At a glance

• Type: clay handi with lid
• Material: handcrafted earthen clay
• Use on: gas stove, open fire
• Size shown: 17.5cm (medium)
• Uses: biryani, curry, dal

Clay Handi Pot with Lid questions

Does it come with a lid? Yes.

Can I use it on a gas stove? Yes, and on an open fire.

What size is it? The photo shows the medium size at 17.5cm.

Is it handmade? Yes, so small variations may occur.

Looking for more like this clay handi pot with lid? Browse the full Clay Dishes collection or the rest of the Tabard Aprons shop. To learn more, see this overview of clay pot cooking.