24 January 2024
How to Season Nambu Ironware Nabe
The Nambu Ironware Nabe Cast Iron Pot is a unique and convenient piece of Nambu ironware, a traditional craft from Morioka City, Iwate Prefecture, in the Tohoku region.
This pot, being made of cast iron, has a rough texture and is excellent at uniformly conducting and retaining heat. It's a versatile cooking utensil, ideal not only for hot pot dishes like sukiyaki but also for frying and stir-frying.
Although the pot is designed to resist rust, its longevity depends on the care it receives before each use. To prevent rusting, a crucial step known as "seasoning," often referred to as abura-narashi in Japanese, is important.
This time, we will introduce the steps for seasoning your Nambu Ironware Nabe Cast Iron Pot so that it can be used for a long time.
Step 1. Washing with Water
When using the Nambu Ironware Nabe for the first time, wash off the paint film, dust, and dirt that have adhered to the pot. Washing with water also helps remove the smell of iron. Additionally, wash the wooden lid with water as well.
Step 2. Dry Heating
After washing, thoroughly wipe the pot with a cloth. Alternatively, place it on the stove and heat it to evaporate the moisture (dry heating). Use low to medium heat and heat until the entire pot is warm to ensure all moisture is dried off. The cue to turn off the heat is when smoke starts to appear.
Step 3. Seasoning (Oil Conditioning)
Coat the Nambu Ironware Nabe with oil and then stir-fry some leafy vegetables that you have prepared in advance. Any leafy vegetable will do, but cabbage is recommended. It doesn't leave any scent or smell in the iron pot, has less moisture, and blends well with the oil.
The reason for stir-frying vegetables is that the oil reacts with the water content in the vegetables, creating a layer of altered oil.
The key here is to stir-fry in such a way that the oil spreads evenly throughout the entire pot. The more the oil is absorbed, the more rust-resistant the pot becomes.
A good indication that the seasoning is complete is when the stir-fried vegetables become wilted.
Important Note:
During and after cooking, the body, handle, ring, and wooden lid of the pot become very hot, so never touch them with bare hands. Always use an oven mitt or a tea towel to cover and hold them.
When holding the handle, always make sure to hold both ends together.
Do not place heated pots directly on tables or similar surfaces. Instead, use a trivet.
Step 4. Rinsing the Nabe
Remove the vegetables from the pot. Be cautious of burns, as the pot will be hot immediately after use.
To avoid scratching the surface of the pot, thoroughly wash it with hot water using a sponge or a natural bristle scrubber. It's important not to use metal scrubbers or detergent when washing. This is because adding water to a high-temperature pot can cause damage.
If you wish to wash the pot with water, let it cool down until it's safe to touch by hand.
Step 5. Reapply Oil
After thoroughly wiping off the moisture, reapply edible oil. By using a paper towel to spread the oil evenly over the entire pot, including the corners, you make it less prone to rusting, thereby prolonging its lifespan.
Before applying the oil, you may heat the pot on a low flame as in Step 2 (dry heating) and then apply the oil. However, be careful not to overheat the pot.
Cherishing Your Nabe
The longevity of a tool often depends on how it is first used. After each use of the Nambu Ironware Nabe, the key is to thoroughly evaporate any moisture and ensure it is completely dry.
Cast iron, as it is used over time, becomes a familiar part of Japanese lives, gradually endearing itself to us. The time spent cooking and gathering around the dining table should become more enjoyable than ever. I hope you enjoy living with the Nambu Ironware Nabe, including witnessing how it ages and becomes more characterful with use.
