The Secret To Seasoning Your Iron Pan For The Perfect Dosa

Seasoning an iron pan for dosa is a great way to ensure your dosa doesn't stick to the pan and to keep your pan in good condition. A well-seasoned iron pan can last a lifetime and the older the pan gets, the better it becomes.

There are a few different methods for seasoning an iron pan for dosa. Some people suggest soaking the pan in cold water for a couple of hours to soften any built-up residue, scrubbing the pan, and then soaking it in hot oil. Others suggest washing the pan with soap and water, drying it, and then rubbing it with oil and heating it in the oven. Some people also recommend using a combination of lemon, salt, and oil to season the pan.

It's important to note that once your pan is seasoned, you should avoid using soap to wash it as this can remove the seasoning. Instead, simply rinse the pan with water and scrub it gently if necessary. You should also avoid using the pan for cooking other foods, such as pizza or chapati, as this can affect the seasoning and cause your dosa to stick.

Wash the pan with cold water and scrub it thoroughly

After the cold water soak, it's time to scrub your dosa pan. You will need a metal dish scrubber, dish soap, and the soaked pan. Start scrubbing to get rid of as much gunk as possible. Some of the scales might not come off, but that's okay—they won't do any harm. Wash the pan thoroughly with dish soap and water, and then dry it thoroughly. Give it two hours to dry completely.

Dry the pan for two hours

After scrubbing the pan with a metal scrubber and dish soap, you will need to dry the pan thoroughly. Give it two hours to dry completely. This is an important step as any remaining moisture can cause the oil to become gooey and sticky when the pan is heated. Once the pan is completely dry, you can move on to the next step of the seasoning process, which is to apply a generous amount of oil to the pan and heat it over medium heat for about ten minutes.

Apply oil generously and heat the pan for 10 minutes

Now, it's time to apply oil generously to the pan and heat it on medium for about 10 minutes. It will start to smoke, so make sure your chimney is ready. After 10 minutes, turn off the heat and let the pan rest for an hour. Clean the oil, which will now be gooey, with a paper napkin. Repeat this process two more times.

Apply oil generously to the pan and heat it on medium for a good 10 minutes. It will smoke, so be prepared. After 10 minutes, turn off the heat and let the pan rest for an hour. Clean the oil, which will now be gooey, with a paper napkin. Repeat this process again.

Apply oil generously to the pan and heat it on medium for a good 10 minutes. It will smoke. After 10 minutes, turn off the heat and let the pan rest for an hour. Clean the oil, which will now be gooey, with a paper napkin. Wash the pan with warm water. Do not use soap. Your pan is now seasoned and ready to use.

Repeat the oil and heating process two more times

To season an iron pan for dosa, repeat the oil and heating process two more times to set down a good initial layer of seasoning. This is an important step to ensure your pan is non-stick and ready for cooking.

Step-by-Step Guide to Seasoning an Iron Pan for Dosa:

Step 1: Wash and Dry Your Pan

It is important to wash your new cast-iron pan with warm, soapy water before seasoning to remove any residue or dirt from manufacturing or transportation. Dry it thoroughly with a towel, and then place the pan on a stovetop flame for a couple of minutes to eliminate any remaining moisture.

Step 2: Oil the Pan

Now, rub the pan all over, inside and out, with cooking oil. Oils such as vegetable, canola, or corn oil are recommended. Ensure you also oil the handle. Buff the pan well after oiling to remove any excess oil. Even a small amount of excess oil can pool during seasoning, forming hardened droplets or turning sticky if left for a few days.

Step 3: Heat the Pan in the Oven

Place the oiled pan in a preheated oven at 450°F (230°C) for 30 minutes. The oil will polymerize during this time, forming a hard, plastic-like coating. The oven provides even heat, which is essential for effective seasoning. You may want to place a baking sheet or foil underneath the pan to catch any excess oil that may run off.

Step 4: Repeat the Oil and Heating Process Two More Times

Remove the pan from the oven after 30 minutes. It will be hot, so remember to use oven mitts or a thick kitchen towel. Rub the pan with oil again, ensuring you buff out any excess. Return the pan to the oven for another 30-minute session. Repeat this oiling and heating process once more, so you have done it a total of three times.

Your pan is now ready for cooking! This initial seasoning will ensure your pan is non-stick and ready for making dosas.

Caring for Your Seasoned Iron Pan:

To care for your seasoned iron pan, simply use it for cooking! Each time you cook with some type of fat, you will be adding more seasoning. You can also rub a few drops of oil on the pan after washing and drying to maintain the seasoning.

Additionally, always use a metal spatula with your iron pan, as wooden spatulas do not work well with this type of cookware. It is also recommended to have a separate pan for chapati/roti and dosa, as these require different temperatures for optimal cooking.

Wash the pan with warm water, but not soap

It is important to wash the pan with warm water and not soap after seasoning it. Soap will take away the patina, which is the natural oil coating that forms on the pan and provides non-stick qualities. After seasoning, the pan should be washed in warm water and scrubbed slightly if necessary.

After each use, the pan should be washed in water if necessary. Otherwise, it can be wiped off with a dry cloth and a teaspoon of cooking oil applied to the surface. To avoid rusting, oil can also be applied to the back of the pan from time to time.

It is also important to note that the pan should never be washed with soap after it has been seasoned. Soap will remove the patina and affect the non-stick qualities of the pan. Instead, the pan should be washed in warm water and scrubbed gently if needed.

Frequently asked questions