Microwave Asian Style Dishes with Claypots and Casseroles

This course will teach students how to use claypots and casseroles to cook directly in it and afterwhich to serve from it. No clutter of pots and pans to wash. Students can cook in comfort with no splashing of hot oil hence keeping the kitchen clean

Claypots are mostly used for cooking herbal medicines or soups. However, it is not limited in its usage. It can be used also to cook rice, curries or meat dishes. Food cooked in a claypots can be said to be more flavourful. Some claypots are porous so some care needs to be given to it to ensure that it is well maintained. For a new claypot just soak it in water for a few hours before using. When you use claypot in the microwave oven, lift rather and slide the pot in and out to avoid scratching the glass surface of the turntable. Always use hot pads to hold the handles as it can be hot from the lengthy cooking. Protect it from sudden change of temperatures to avoid breakage. Most claypots are fired at high temperature and it becomes hard and durable that can tolerate high oven temperatures. To clean it, use hot scalding water and a stiff brush. Different claypots have different ways of maintenance. So it is best to check with the supplier.

A casserole is a large deep dish that can be used both in the oven to cook or as a serving utensil. Casseroles for use in the microwave oven can be ceramic, oven glass, stoneware. Casseroles can be small or large as they vary in size and depth. They can be square, oval, round or rectangular, Round and oval casseroles is more favourable to use in a microwave oven for even cooking. Squares and rectangular casseroles can also be used except that food at the corners may be overcooked.  Choose one that is deep enough if there is going to be a lot of liquid in the dish to prevent overflowing.  Always cool the casserole before washing to avoid sudden temperature change resulting in breakage at times.

Some of the dishes taught here are street food that can be found at our hawkers stall. Some are restaurant cuisine which are simplified . Some are plain ole homecooked everyday goodness. When one is not too familiar with the steps of how to convert such dishes to microwave cooking, this course will be most suited to those who are looking for convenience and simplicity in recreating the same dishes but in the comfort of your own kitchen.