First time potjie use

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syntax

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So I bought a potjie, and have been told I need to prepare it before first use.

Googling seems to throw up a million different methods. Anyone here got some advice so that I can hold them accountable if it doesn't work? :)

It's my first potjie owned and first one I am going to make, so any advice welcome
 
Wash with dish washing liquid and water as usual. Rinse properly. Make sure you use about half a cup cooking oil inside and ensure every part inside is oiled properly so all pores absorb oil. Put on coals and heat till oil boils and is very hot. Remove and wash again. Always ensure you wash and rinse properly because of the pores.
Ready to use but always keep in dry place and a very thin layer of oil wiped off to stop rust.
 
I did the same as above except I put in patato peels and peels of other vegetables when I cooked water in it.
 
And each time you've finished using it,
wash thoroughly and place crumpled newspaper inside.
This will absorb any moisture and prevent rusting.
 
Don't ever use dishwashing liquid (or any kind of soap) after the potjie has been prepared - rather wash out with warm water and salt, making sure you clean it properly - then oil it liberally (inside) and put newspapers inside to absorb moisture, then put it in a dry place for storage.

If you wash it with soap, you will wash off the protective oil covering plus some of the soap will get into the iron, making your potjie taste funny next time.
 
The_Librarian said:
Don't ever use dishwashing liquid (or any kind of soap) after the potjie has been prepared - rather wash out with warm water and salt, making sure you clean it properly - then oil it liberally (inside) and put newspapers inside to absorb moisture, then put it in a dry place for storage.

If you wash it with soap, you will wash off the protective oil covering plus some of the soap will get into the iron, making your potjie taste funny next time.
Click to expand...
My potjies always get washed with dishwashing liquid after use. The trick is not to use anything abrasive, such as steelwool, in the cleaning process. Once completely dry, I coat them with a light layer of olive oil. I have a nice smooth protective layer in all my potjies.

The biggest mistake you can make is to leave leftovers in the potjie for an extended period. That ruined one of my potjies by removing the protective layer and etching the metal.
 
syntax said:
So I bought a potjie, and have been told I need to prepare it before first use.

Googling seems to throw up a million different methods. Anyone here got some advice so that I can hold them accountable if it doesn't work? :)

It's my first potjie owned and first one I am going to make, so any advice welcome
Click to expand...

I broke two petjies in by following the simple instructions on the CADAC instruction guide:

Make a big ass wood fire, once flames are hot & high enough, place a rooster over the flames, then turn your potjie upside down on top the rooster (with lid off of course).

This will burn away the coating on the inside - the only purpose of the coating (which can be either an oil or wax) is to protect the pot while in storage. Keep it on the flames for 15-20 minutes

You can then remove the pot, and wash out with washing liquid and warm water (cold water will cause it to crack).

Now you need to just oil your potjie and your ready to go immediately.


I use a steel wool to clean the inside as it smooths the pot and on the outside I use a plastic wool. You just need to always oil your pot after a clean and leave balls of newspaper on the inside.

Also when storing your pot, go get a Pick n Pay shopping freezer bag (the one with the zip for R15). Cut three holes in the bottom for the legs of potjie, and there you have a potjie bag. Else you could go buy the CADAC one for a couple of hundred rand. I always store my potjies in bags - I use one those weaved plastic bags I buy from hardware stores for my garden refuse for my larger pot.


Enjoy!
 
The_Librarian said:
Don't ever use dishwashing liquid (or any kind of soap) after the potjie has been prepared - rather wash out with warm water and salt, making sure you clean it properly - then oil it liberally (inside) and put newspapers inside to absorb moisture, then put it in a dry place for storage.

If you wash it with soap, you will wash off the protective oil covering plus some of the soap will get into the iron, making your potjie taste funny next time.
Click to expand...

Good point. I wash my entire potjie, inside and outside and rinse it off very well when I use soap.
 
cbrunsdonza said:
I broke two petjies in by following the simple instructions on the CADAC instruction guide:

Make a big ass wood fire, once flames are hot & high enough, place a rooster over the flames, then turn your potjie upside down on top the rooster (with lid off of course).

This will burn away the coating on the inside - the only purpose of the coating (which can be either an oil or wax) is to protect the pot while in storage. Keep it on the flames for 15-20 minutes

You can then remove the pot, and wash out with washing liquid and warm water (cold water will cause it to crack).

Now you need to just oil your potjie and your ready to go immediately.


I use a steel wool to clean the inside as it smooths the pot and on the outside I use a plastic wool. You just need to always oil your pot after a clean and leave balls of newspaper on the inside.

Also when storing your pot, go get a Pick n Pay shopping freezer bag (the one with the zip for R15). Cut three holes in the bottom for the legs of potjie, and there you have a potjie bag. Else you could go buy the CADAC one for a couple of hundred rand. I always store my potjies in bags - I use one those weaved plastic bags I buy from hardware stores for my garden refuse for my larger pot.


Enjoy!
Click to expand...

I presume (hope!) the rooster must be dead when being placed on the flames. Must it be plucked first?:confused:
 
BigAl-sa said:
My potjies always get washed with dishwashing liquid after use. The trick is not to use anything abrasive, such as steelwool, in the cleaning process. Once completely dry, I coat them with a light layer of olive oil. I have a nice smooth protective layer in all my potjies.

The biggest mistake you can make is to leave leftovers in the potjie for an extended period. That ruined one of my potjies by removing the protective layer and etching the metal.
Click to expand...

Agreed - well seasoned cast iron can be washed with dishwashing liquid without fear.

I do try and avoid olive oil for the simple reason it's quick to turn rancid.
cbrunsdonza said:
LOL ... one of my typical speeling errors :)
Click to expand...
What was it you meant to say? :confused:
 
bwana said:
Agreed - well seasoned cast iron can be washed with dishwashing liquid without fear.

I do try and avoid olive oil for the simple reason it's quick to turn rancid.
Click to expand...
Sunflower oil turns rancid far quicker than olive oil in my experience.
 
That is acceptable...

Us normal language speakers have lowered ourselves to accept the usage of that word :p
 
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