Soapstone Kalchatti / Maakal chatti / Soapstone stock pot (conditioned)

The country-side Soapstone Kalchatti in this category are the most popular hand-chiseled stock pots that aids slow-cooking!! The hollowing, texture and gentle hammering allover the stone to achieve appropriate thickness, are wholly done by artisans for hours together. Hence these old-fashioned soapstone pots score 100% for Artisanal Craftsmanship!

ADVANTAGES

• The pots mentioned in this category are primarily "conditioned" kalchatti using conventional methods and are ready-to-use!
• These ethnic vessels were traditionally used by our grandmothers for cooking/boiling liquid to semi-liquid foods.
• They are well used in South Indian homes for making Sambar, Kootu, Kara/Vatha kuzhambu, Rasam, Inji puli, Puli curry, Parupu koora, Mukkala Pulusu, Dappalam, Meen kuzhambu, Kari kuzhambu, etc., after primary conditioning.
• They can be used to make meat and fish based curries also.
• Cooking food in soapstone utensils retain the utmost nutrients and natural flavour in the food even after cooking.
• They do not react with food acids and hence do not cause any food discolouration or impart flavour/odour in the cooked food.
• They distribute and retain heat for a longer duration, minimising the fuel usage.
• Also can be used to serve food, just like hot packs!
• They are natural, durable and eco-friendly!
• They are available in different capacities to suit your needs.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Products mentioned in this category are naturally hand-crafted and hence expected to have slight imperfections within acceptable limits.
• The dimensions are approximate with respect to size, shape and weight. The natural veins that are seen in the above sample pictures might slightly vary with each and every product.
• Recommend to cook only liquid based food for the first few uses, even after primary conditioning.  Kindly read the care instructions below for more insights.
• You are welcome to check with us personally before placing an order or making a payment, for clarifications and concerns. 

TRADITIONAL VALUE

• The hard and brittle countryside soapstone pots are gently handcrafted from smaller stones of steatite using wooden mallets and chisel by ingenious artisans.
• The stones are further chiseled by hand to make the at most size of the pots with maximum capacity at required thickness.
• Its heaviness equalizes the sturdiness and durability of the product.
• The intricate veining found in such natural pots beautify them adding exclusivity. 
• At last conditioning/curing/seasoning by conventional means amplifies its durability to pass them on to be used in the next generation!

CARE INSTRUCTIONS

• Primary conditioning of soapstone cooking utensils is a must. So, if you choose to buy "unconditioned" soapstone pots with us, kindly follow our recommended procedure for conventional method/treatment. 
• Never put your conditioned soapstone utensil upon a direct flame/heat without any liquid substance for the first 25-30 uses even after PRIMARY CONDITIONING. This applies even if you choose to buy "ready to use conditioned" soapstone pots with us. 
• Because liquids support even distribution of heat and also introducing them to gradual heat temperatures avoids cracks/breakage and ensures durability of the utensil.
• These soapstone cooking utensils are not to be used for shallow/deep frying food.
• Avoid thermal shocks while cleaning and also if they are used in case the ovens.
• Never touch hot vessels with bare hands, as they cause long lasting heat burns.
• Use wooden ladles/spatulas and avoid touching with metals.
• Grease the utensil with castor oil or any other edible oil, if it is not in use for more than two weeks. 
• Use milled rice flour / chickpea flour with a soft or semi hard scrubber for everyday cleaning. 
• Never use detergents/abrasives, as they might retain within the utensils and get leached into the food. 
• These soft stone pots might tend to crack/break when dropped or with improper care.

OUR STANDARDS

• The products mentioned in this category are subjected to "Restriction of Hazardous Substances 1" based on EU standards in NABL accredited Laboratories. 
• Kindly get in touch with us if you have any questions!
• Products listed in this category are unreturnable and cannot be exchanged.