You have shopped for an array of vegetables, grains, lentils and spices needed for your favourite Indian food. But, it's a fact these aren't enough to prepare an authentic meal. You need correct Indian kitchen tools, utensils, and cookware designed to make meals flakier, healthier, and flavourful with less effort. Put together a basic set of Indian cooking utensils to ensure success when preparing traditional indigenous cuisine. As a bonus, your home-cooked feeds will taste better than the takeout they replaced.
Seven of them are listed below!
Kadhai
Indian wok is known as kadhai. Traditional materials used to make it include cast iron, iron, copper, and aluminium. Today, non-stick and stainless-steel versions are also readily available. Its flat bottom and significantly steeper sides, in contrast to regular woks, make it ideal for frying. On a few variations, there are two handles, one on each side. It can cook deep-fried foods, curries, lentils, and some desserts. It serves as a multipurpose deep-frying pan.
Spice box
The masala dabba, or spice box, is essential for any home cook who frequently prepares Indian cuisine. There is no need to rummage around in the spice cabinet for the right blend or to constantly open and close jars of different spices. You may create your own personalised spice box by placing 6–7 of your favourite used herbs inside.
Mortar and pestle
Indian cuisine is known for being both flavorful and comforting, and the key to making a meal really authentic is to include both whole and ground spices. Making your own homemade spice blends from scratch is simple. Compared to store-bought alternatives, they are more cost-effective while adding a more genuine flavour profile. Consider both the size and the material of the item you're looking for. Purchasing a high-quality mortar and pestle is a wise investment.
Pressure cooker
Indian families have relied on pressure cookers for centuries. Pressure cookers have come a long way, with new models that are both more efficient and safer for use by experienced chefs and amateurs. They may be used for a wide variety of purposes, including cooking lentils, beans, and meats, to mention a few, and do so in a single pot, making them ideal for weekday meals.
Chakla and belan
Indian chakla belan, Image Source: Shutterstock
An Indian rolling pin, or belan as it is known in Hindi, is an essential kitchen tool for anyone who enjoys making their own Indian roti or Paratha at home. It's a great alternative to traditional rolling pins because it's easier to handle, lighter, and cheaper. You can find one at any Indian supermarket or even online. A separate rolling board is preferable, but you can also roll rotis on clean counters, wood, or marble boards. Wood, metal, and marble are just a few materials used to make a Chakla (Polpat). You can get one made of wood, marble, or aluminium, all of which are robust options.
Tawa
If you want to make roti at home, you must use an Indian tawa or griddle that has been hard anodised. The tawa's handle, made of stainless steel, allows you to lift it with relative ease on and off the flame. Whereas a wooden one makes it heat resistant. Only use it for Indian flatbreads and wash it by hand after each usage. Please be aware that this tawa is not compatible with Induction stovetops. Use only pans that are Induction stove safe.
Stainless steel tongs
Picking up a roti cooked on an open flame is an absolute requirement. If you enjoy making your own roti, you must invest in a high-quality pair of stainless steel tongs. Salads and other items can be served with the same set of tongs. If you have an induction stovetop, you can skip using the tongs altogether because the roti can be cooked thoroughly in the pan.