While iron and clay are well-known and researched materials in the world of cookware, soapstone remains a lesser-known but equally attractive option. Soapstone, a metamorphic rock composed primarily of talc, is renowned for its unique thermal properties and durability. Unlike its more common counterparts, soapstone retains heat exceptionally well, keeping cooking temperatures even and constant. Furthermore, soapstone’s natural beauty and smooth texture enhance both the aesthetic and functional aspects of cooking, providing a distinctive alternative to more traditional materials.
Exploring the Origin of Soapstone
Soapstone, first discovered in the US by Native Americans, has a rich history of use that stretches back thousands of years. Known for its unique properties, soapstone was used to make bowls, cooking slabs, and other cookware because of its durability and ability to withstand direct heat. These ancient artifacts have been found in archaeological sites along the Eastern Seaboard, from New England to Georgia, demonstrating the material’s importance in early culinary practices. Soapstone’s natural heat retention and even heating made it an ideal material for cooking, a legacy that continues today in both traditional and modern kitchens.
In India, especially in the southern states of Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Kerala, soapstone became an integral part of daily life after civilization. Known locally as Rathi Chippa and Kal Chatti, these hand-carved utensils have been treasured for generations, prized for their versatility in cooking, serving and storing food, and remain a beloved item in Indian kitchens to this day.
The Effort Behind Soapstone Pottery
Making soapstone pots is a labor-intensive process that requires extreme skill and dedication. Artisans begin by carefully selecting high-quality soapstone, then meticulously chisel it into the shape of the cookware. Each piece takes about four hours of intensive labor to create, requiring precision and patience to prevent cracks and ensure the correct shape. The process involves detailed carving, smoothing, and finishing to enhance the pot’s durability and heat-retaining properties. These artisans preserve traditional techniques, putting significant effort into creating each soapstone piece, ensuring its functionality and aesthetic appeal in kitchens around the world.
Culinary Benefits of Soapstone
Soapstone, which is composed primarily of iron and magnesium, has several valuable physical properties that make it highly versatile:
1. Non-porous and non-absorbent: It prevents stains and makes cleaning easier.
2. Excellent Insulator: With low electrical conductivity, soapstone retains heat efficiently.
3. Heat Resistance and High Specific Heat Capacity: Soapstone radiates heat effectively.
4. Resistant to acids and alkalis: Enhances durability and suitability for various applications.
Cooking with Soapstone Cookware
Even and Faster Cooking: Soapstone Cooking The pots easily absorb heat from the stove and radiate it into the food. Although they take a little longer to heat up than thin metal pots, they heat their contents evenly and retain the heat even after being removed from the stove, allowing dishes to continue cooking.
Delicious recipes: Food cooked in soapstone retains its natural, authentic aroma and flavor.
Healthy Nutrients: Soapstone cookware contains more than 90% of nutrients and micronutrients. In addition, this stone is rich in iron and magnesium, which is also useful in cooking.
Also read: Know why cooking in aluminium utensils is considered dangerous
Retaining heat for a long time: As an insulator, soapstone acts like a casserole, keeping food warm for a long time.
Extended Shelf Life: Being extremely dense and non-porous, soapstone prevents bacterial growth and increases the shelf life of cooked foods.
Versatility: Resistant to alkalis and acids, soapstone is suitable for cooking a variety of food and storing items such as milk, curd, buttermilk, rock salt, tamarind, extracts, pickles, idli/dosa batter, etc.
Hygiene and disinfection: Soapstone naturally inhibits harmful germs.
Direct Refrigeration: Foods can be refrigerated directly in soapstone containers.
Name the dish that can be cooked in stone utensils
The beauty of soapstone cookware lies in its versatility, allowing you to create a variety of dishes with exceptional taste and texture. Imagine cooking a tangy mor kuzhambu or a delicious vatha kuzhambu in a soapstone pot, where the steady heat ensures the perfect balance of spices. For a North Indian feast, soapstone pots can make creamy palak paneer and cheesy paneer butter masala, which have a deeper flavour due to the even heating.
Soapstone is also perfect for savory dishes like rajma masala and dal makhani, where slow cooking brings out rich, robust flavors. Beyond Indian cuisine, soapstone cookware is also great for international favorites like pasta, where sauces thicken beautifully, and biryani, where every grain of rice absorbs the aromatic spices to the fullest. Whether it’s delicate stews, savory rice dishes, or desserts, soapstone transforms every meal into a delicious experience.
Also read: Is Your Cooking Utensil Making You Sick?
By Meera Ramakrishnan, Director and Co-Founder, Jishta
(Thumbnail image courtesy: Jishta and image courtesy: Canva)
