Cooking is essential for one to survive, and similarly, an essential part of cooking is utensils. Every form of cooking requires certain specifically designed utensils to create the masterpiece. In South Indian cuisine, too, there is a play of various textures, designs, and soulful slow-cooked curries. There are certain utensils whose utilisation began long ago, and till today, they are efficiently used to hold the grip of their authentic flavour and texture in the cuisines.
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The South Indian kitchen, with its emphasis on rice, lentils, vegetables, and aromatic spices, has given rise to a distinctive array of utensils that cater to the specific needs of its cuisine. These utensils are not mere instruments; they are the guardians of tradition, ensuring that age-old recipes retain their essence even as they evolve to suit modern tastes and lifestyles.
Appe Pan
This unique pan, with its multiple small cavities, is essential for making soft, fluffy appe or paniyaram, a beloved snack made from fermented rice and lentil batter. Appe can be found in both sweet and savoury varieties. For sweet one can make it coconut stuffed and for savoury one can stuff it with spiced vegetables. The pan's even heat distribution ensures perfect cooking, making it indispensable for those aiming to recreate authentic South Indian flavours and textures at home.
Kalchatti
The kalchatti, a traditional South Indian kitchen utensil, is a versatile and essential piece in South Indian cuisine. Crafted from soapstone, its wide, porus, low heating capacity ensures even cooking, making it ideal for slow-cooked dishes. Essential in preparing classics like sambar, rasam, and biryani, the kalchatti also excels in frying and tempering spices.
Idli Cooker
The idli cooker is an essential tool in South Indian kitchens for preparing the iconic breakfast dish, idli. This specialised steamer ensures the idlis are soft, fluffy, and perfectly cooked, retaining their nutritional value. Beyond idlis, it is also used to make other dishes like rava idli, vegetable idli, and even certain types of steamed cakes. Its versatility and ease of use make it indispensable for many households.
Brass Coffee Filter
The brass coffee filter, like an espresso machine, is integral to the daily ritual of making strong, aromatic filter coffee in South India households. Its two-part design, comprising a perforated upper chamber and a lower collection container, allows for slow, precise brewing. This traditional method is essential for achieving the rich, robust flavour that defines South Indian filter coffee. The filter’s durability and ability to enhance flavours make it a cherished utensil in South Indian cuisine.
Kuzhi Karandi
Kuzhi karandi is an essential South Indian kitchen utensil, typically crafted from iron or stainless steel. It features a deep, round ladle with a long handle, ideal for frying and stirring. Vital in South Indian cuisine, it is indispensable for making dishes like kuzhi paniyaram, a savoury or sweet snack made from rice batter, and various stir-fries. Its deep, rounded design ensures even cooking and perfect texture, making it a cherished tool in South Indian households for generations.
Idiyappam Ural
Idiyappam ural is a pivotal utensil for making Idiyappam, a popular South Indian breakfast dish. This tool, often crafted from wood or metal, is used to press rice dough into fine, delicate noodles. Idiyappam, also known as string hoppers, forms the base for various dishes. The ural's role in creating these intricate noodles highlights its importance in preserving authentic South Indian culinary traditions.
Dosai Kal
The dosai kal, or tawa, is another essential utensil that has stood the test of time. This flat griddle, traditionally made of cast iron, is the canvas upon which crispy dosas and fluffy uttapams are created. The seasoned surface of a well-maintained dosai kal imparts a subtle flavour to the dishes cooked on it, contributing to the authentic taste that South Indian cuisine is known for.