Try-Out Kalchatti / The Indians’ Soapstone Curry Bowl (Conditioned)

This smallest handcrafted country-side Soapstone Kalchatti is specifically for the beginners / for those who just want to give a try and experience soapstone cooking rarely or to know what it is all about! They 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!

Note: Our Soapstone stock pots are traditionally conditioned upon wood fire. There might appear some black to greyish patches all around the pots and might fade away with regular use. 

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 individual product.
• Recommended to cook only liquid to semi-liquid based food for the first few uses, although they are primarily conditioned/seasoned.
• 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 more 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 equalises 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

• Products listed in this category are un returnable and cannot be exchanged. Kindly get in touch with us if you have any questions!