For the ones that enjoy slow cooking recipes like broths, braises, or stews there is one type of utensils that you must try. Yes, we are talking about bare ceramic cookware. Actually, it is used for millennia, and it is well-known part of traditional kitchens around the world. In addition, pure ceramic cookware is completely made of natural clay.

If you are looking for a traditional and healthy way of cooking then this type of utensil is a great way to achieve such goals.

The unique taste of the food from non-glazed ceramics is something that you probably hear about, and maybe it is the right moment to give yourself a try with this special utensil. For me personally, it is a favorite way of preparing the dishes.

Here you can find one of my articles where I go more deeply into the field of ceramic cookware, its safety, and its unique properties.

There are not a lot of producers that offer hand-crafted pure ceramic utensils internationally, however, Miriams Earthen Cookware is one of the brands that do just that.

Looking from its roots the ceramics are produced from purely natural clay, and that is the tradition that his company is trying to cherish.

Additionally, the cookware they create is manufactured under strict safety standards. This includes testing the raw material composition and quality, at the Soil testing lab at the University of Massachusetts. Such a safety control system and compliance to the California 65 rule qualify this brand for Safetouseit cookware safety standards.

Miriams Earthen cookware doesn’t glaze their utensils. This is something that gives a unique traditional taste to all of the dishes prepared in direct contact with ceramics. Even it is called pan, this kind of utensil is more similar to tagine(Traditional North African ceramics). Because it special leed such cookware pieces have very efficient water circulation, and they allow your food to stay full of water during the whole cooking process.

Such cookware requires gentiles because it can be damaged under sudden temperature changes or mechanical crash. However, for all of us that love preparing slow meals and to cook for your family, Miriam’s pure ceramic cookware is something that you will definitely enjoy.

Here are a few simple tips on how to maintain your pure ceramic cookware. These are the same rules that I apply to my pure ceramic cookware successfully for years.  Even Miriam Earthen Cookware FaQ page explains details on how to use it cookware pieces, however, I would like to highlight some important points

Before first use- Seasoning

Unlike the seasoning of food which includes slat, paper, and other spices, cookware seasoning is the process of coating the by using oil and heat. This  Bare ceramic cookware requires seasoning just once when you buy it new.

Shortly saying, you need to clean your new pot, emerge it in the water overnight. After that you dry it, cover with oil and bake it in the oven. The process is quite simple, however, I made step by step video on how to do it, so take a look. Here you can find my tutorial on how to season any bare ceramic utensil, so maybe it can be helpful additionally.

Washing

 It is not suitable for dishwashers and like other bare ceramics, it should be washed just with water and a clean sponge/cleaning wire. Bare ceramic has pores, so if you use soap it can be soaked into the ceramic walls. If you need a deep cleaning you can use the pasta made from baking soda and vinegar.

It is good to use a new sponge for the cleaning of the ceramic cookware, and keep it away from the sink. Old sponges always contain certain levels of residues/soaps and it is good to avoid them. Also, when I left your sponge next to the sink somebody can take it and use it for soap(It have happened to me a few times at least)

Cooking temperatures

Avoid sudden changes of temperature like putting the skillet in preheated oven or transferring it directly from the hot oven to the cold stovetop.(Better use wooden/silicone board) Pure ceramic cookware is suitable for lower or medium temperatures which are perfectly compatible with slow-cooking recipes.

In the oven, the proposed maximal temperature is around 230c according to the brand. However, I use my bare ceramics on 250C without any problems.

In addition

You can use it on electric stovetops. Even pure ceramic cookware is not suitable for induction stoves, you can use a metal heat diffuser to adjust that.

Store your cookware in a place with good air circulation, with the cookware that stayed open. That will prevent condensation and the development of microbes.

Through time, the cookware will become a little darker in color, which is totally normal. Ceramic is a live earthen material, and it evolves over time. In addition, I would say that the more you use it, the better it becomes.

Depending on their size these pans can be applied for different recipes(MEC Ceramic pan come in two sizes Qt2.5 and also 1.25Qt). Here are some of the directions that may help you find what better suits you.

Small MEC Pan- It is relatively small but it’s suitable for cooking sauce for the mine dish, like a creamy mushroom sauce for meat, or tomato sauce for pasta. Also great for slow cooking rice (e.g. preparing Thai rice)

Large MEC pan- Great size for preparing delicious stews and braises for a family of 4 or 5. Preparing the large cuts of meat in such a vessel can help to increase the tenderness and juiciness of the dish. Apart from slow cook it can be a great tool for oven and making delicious dough-based recipes. For instance, it can be an awesome tool for making sourdough bread which requires good humidity storage during the baking process.