How To Season Your Donabe

To get the most out of your new donabe, you'll need to do some seasoning first. In Japanese, this process is referred to as "Medome." Why is it necessary to season it? Pots made of clay have a naturally porous structure.

Filling the pot's tiny pores with starch from rice or flour will help avoid heat damage and breakage, as well as food scent and discolouration. Because of this, the medome process extends the life of your donabes.

There Are Three Options

Method 1: Use Rice Water as a seasoning (Before First Use)

1. Rice should be rinsed as usual. Add rice (I use two rice cooker cups here) to a big bowl and gently knead the rice between your fingers under running water. The rice water should not be discarded during this seasoning process.
2. Put enough rice water to fill the pot to the 80 percent mark. Rice water is the liquid left over after the rice has been rinsed.
3. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Let the water naturally cool down to room temperature.
5. The water should be discarded as soon as you can feel it with your bare fingers, and the temperature is nearing room temperature.
6. After drying it with a clean cloth, let it air dry entirely for at least one night before using or storing it again.

Method 2: Add Cooked Rice to the Mixture (When Restoring)

1. Water the donabe to around 80% capacity.
2. Cooked rice should be added.
3. Cook the porridge for 20 minutes at low heat after bringing it to a boil.
4. For about an hour, allow the porridge to cool to room temperature.
5. Rinse the porridge with water and throw it away, then begin the process over again.
6. After cleaning it, let it air dry for at least one night before using or storing.

Method 3: Season with Flour

1. Make sure the pot is about 80% full.
2. Make a paste by adding two tablespoons of flour or potato starch.
3. Cook for 15 minutes at a low simmer after bringing to a boil over medium heat.
4. Allow the water to cool down to room temperature naturally.
5. Rinse your hands with water after discarding the water.
6. After cleaning it, let it air dry for at least one night before using or storing.