Cast Iron Cookware in India
Times are changing and as the new generation of India is becoming more and more health-conscious, we are now shifting back to traditional cookware ranges that have been a staple in our mother’s and grandmother’s kitchen – cast iron cookware.
As more and more of us become conscious that it is not just what we eat but also how and where we cook it, cast iron is slowly making a comeback to our kitchens. In case you are still a bit skeptical about going for these heavyweight kitchen champions let us enlighten you about the benefits, upkeep as well as the best iron cookware sets to have in your kitchen.
Benefits of Cast Iron Cookware
Naturally non-stick – In case you thought it was only Teflon coated cookware that were non-stick, let us break this myth. Cast-iron is naturally non-stick and are really easy to cook in. A well-seasoned and maintained cast iron utensil, gives you the best non-stick cooking experience without the worry of toxic fumes and harmful compounds being leeched into the food.
Releases Iron Into Food – You must have definitely heard a doctor or physician recommending patients suffering from low iron levels to eat food cooked in it. This is because it fortifies food with iron helping you boost iron levels in your body.
Easy to Clean – As opposed to the belief that these are difficult to clean, iron vessels are really easy to clean and mild soap water can easily get rid of all the grease. In case, cooking residue is left on the bottom, just scrape it off with steel wool or a metal spatula and run it under hot water and you are good to go. You do need to keep these cookwares seasoned to help boost its performance.
Works Better With Age – Just like wine, it gets better and better with age. The surface becomes smoother allowing oils to seep evenly for better cooking. These vessels are also tough and durable.
Consumes Less Oil - It is a perfect choice as it can help cut down oil, used in cooking when compared to aluminium and stainless-steel cookware. The cooking method involves heating it and spreading oil throughout the inner layer by moving it around, a thin layer of oil-coated in the utensil is all you need to cook a great meal in these vessels.
How to Maintain (Season) your Cast Iron Cookware
It has a lot of benefits but first-time users need to understand the importance as well as the right method to season your cookware, to ensure that that it works well for years and years.
Seasoning Method
- Wash and dry your pan well – Give the pan a good scrub with warm soapy water and then dry it thoroughly.
- Rub it all over with oil and buff well - Now that your pan is clean and dry, rub it all over, inside and out—including the handle—with cooking oil.
- Heat It in the Oven - Put the oiled pan in a preheated 450°F oven, and leave it there for 30 minutes
- Repeat 3 to 4 Times - When the half-hour is up, take the pan out. (Remember: It's hot!) Now rub it once more all over with the oil, buffing it out as before. Then put it back in the oven for another 30-minute spell. All in all, you'll want to do this oiling-and-heating process three to four times.
Essential Cast Iron Cookware for Every Indian Kitchen
We have enlisted a few cast-iron utensils that are essential for an Indian kitchen.
Below are some of the top picks you could have a look at.
Tawa
When it comes to the Indian staple bread choices like roti parantha or even breakfast options like dosa or uttapam, cast iron tawa is your best choice.
Kadai
To make any gravy or sabzi, we Indians need this stovetop equipment – Kadai. Cast iron Kadai is a must for any Indian kitchen since it helps in heat retention better than any other metals.
Frying pan
Be it searing on high heat or shallow frying the kebabs and skewers, or frying a piece of meat or fillet, a well-designed cast iron fry pan will help in reducing the oil consumption, even heat distribution and preparing a variety of appetizers and side dishes through shallow frying.
Meyer Cast Iron Cookware – Your Best Choice
Pre-Seasoned to perfection for all the newbies and created with a heavy-gauge cast iron construction that will last for ages, Meyer cast iron cookware range will definitely help you add extra flavour to your traditional Indian cooking.
Suitable for all cooktops including induction, this range encourages healthy cooking as it has no synthetic coating and no chemicals making it 100% safe for your family. With the exceptional heat retention and a “Lifetime Warranty”, Meyer is definitely your best choice when it comes to cast iron cookware.
