Clay Pot Cooking

Ever hear of a Romertopf Ovenpot?  One day while exploring a cooking store I came upon one.  So I researched and found out that clay pot cooking is one of the oldest methods of cooking...that intriqued me.  It's a really healthy way to cook in that little or no liquid is added to recipes and that means that there is very little vitamin and nutrient loss.  Normally, the Romertopf will not overcook or burn any dish, so you can relax about exact timing as far as cooking goes.  The cooker consists of two parts, an oval shaped top and matching bottom made of heat treated clay.  The two parts get soaked in water for fifteen minutes and then placed into a cold oven which is then brought to the required temperature.  You can make everything from a whole chicken to soups to amazing meat loaf to rustic breads in these vessels.

Everything I have made in this ovenpot has been fantastic in flavor.  One of my favorite easy dishes to make in a Romertopf is a simple meat loaf recipe.  I modified the recipe from ground beef to ground turkey.  This dish turns out sooo moist and delicious you will not believe it.  You can use ground beef if you so choose to.  If you own a Romertopf already, then you know how wonderfully this pot cooks foods.   If you need information on them I am including a link.  Most any cooking supply store carries them.  http://www.romertopfonline.com/?id=google&gclid=CMGTnsfgvaYCFUS8KgodrDurIQ

Clay Pot Meat Loaf

1 pound ground turkey (or lean beef)

2 large peeled russett potatoes, sliced 1/4 inch thick

1 cup fine bread crumbs

1 cup milk

1 egg

2 tbsp minced red onion

2 tbsp tomato paste

1 tbsp horseradish

1 tsp salt

1 tsp seasoned pepper

Soak the pot in a sink filled with cold water for 15 minutes

Mix all the ingredients in a bowl with your hands

Form into a rustic loaf and place on top of the potatoes

Cover  the pot and place into a cold  oven

set temperature for 450 degrees and cook for 70 minutes

Remove from oven and let covered pot sit on wooden cutting board for 10 minutes

Serve the meatloaf with the sliced potatoes and any other side dishes your heart desires

I suggest trying the ground turkey...you will be pleasantly surprised.

Happy Clay Pot Cooking!

robert

Place the sliced potatoes in the bottom of the clay pot