Rustic ancient cooking finds new uses in 2020
The Römertopf (literally, Roman Pot) is a sort of retro Sixties-Seventies cook method. It was a star of the 1967 Hanovermesse (Hanover Trade Fair) and because Euro-Cool was a thing then, it made its way over to the US as a fad for cooking low and slow (the Crockpot was close on its heels in the 70's.)
The pot is designed for a conventional oven and is soaked in water first. The moisture and heavy pot with lid create a steamy atmosphere for cooking braised meats to tenderness or even baking bread. The downside is their tendency to dribble out cooking juices, the fact the pot needs to be used in a particular way (soaked, not set on a counter if hot--can break) fragile to a degree and it gets a patina in the lid especially from baked on juices. And it requires fairly hot ovens and long cooking (not energy efficient.) Of course in ancient times, the hot woodfired ovens with banked coals would handle a clay pot for hours but in the age of electricity or gas, this is not as desirable. The "it only uses the energy of a lightbulb" Crock Pot with its easy to clean liner and stay-warm but keep kitchen cool ability soon replaced the Römertopf for slow cooking.
Fast forward to 2020--and the Römertopf is now popular for baking bread, especially sourdough country style boules because of its moist atmosphere. The retro cook gear works as a cloche and helps the home baker to achieve a good crusty loaf.
The pot still make delectable roasts and casseroles that have a different flavor than crockpot cooked dishes. Used according to directions, it's a solid method of creating great food at home. Its rustic good looks are pleasing as well.
Verified purchase: YesCondition: New