The Evolution Of Iron Cookware In India: A Traditional Set For Modern Kitchens

Cast iron cookware is a popular choice for home cooks and professionals in India. It is known for its durability, even heating, and natural non-stick properties. Cast iron is also a healthy option as it enriches food with iron, which is essential for maintaining haemoglobin levels and improving overall health. The Indus Valley, a popular brand in India, offers a wide range of cast iron cookware sets, including frying pans, kadhai, tawa, and grill pans. These sets are pre-seasoned with vegetable oil, making them ready for use right out of the box. Cast iron cookware is easy to clean and maintain, and with proper care, can last for generations. In addition to The Indus Valley, other brands like Wonderchef, Hawkins, Prestige, Meyer, and Lodge offer cast iron cookware options in India.

Cast iron cookware is long-lasting and can be passed down through generations

Cast iron cookware is a great investment for your kitchen. It is incredibly durable and long-lasting, with some families owning cast iron that is over 100 years old. Cast iron is also versatile, affordable, and readily available in all kinds of shapes and sizes.

Durability

Cast iron is nearly indestructible. Even cast iron that has been neglected and left to rust can often be restored to a condition almost like new with a bit of cleaning and care.

Non-stick Surface

Cast iron that has been properly seasoned develops its own non-stick surface. This non-stick surface can be reapplied over and over again through a process known as "seasoning". Unlike traditional non-stick pans made with Teflon or ceramic coatings, the non-stick surface on cast iron is natural and can be maintained over the pan's lifetime.

Heat Retention

Cast iron has excellent heat retention. Once it has warmed up, it stays warm, helping to keep food hot.

Versatility

Cast iron can be used on any type of stovetop (gas, electric, or induction). It can also be used over an open flame like a campfire or placed directly into the oven. Cast iron is suitable for many types of cooking, including frying, baking, searing, roasting, slow cooking, and outdoor cooking.

Affordability

Cast iron cookware is often sold at affordable prices and, since it lasts nearly forever, can be viewed as a one-time investment. It’s usually easy to find cast iron at thrift stores and second-hand shops, too.

Maintenance

Compared to other types of cookware, cast iron requires little cleaning and maintenance after its initial seasoning. To preserve your cast iron, simply rinse it with water and dry it thoroughly after each use. It’s a good idea to add another layer of vegetable oil for seasoning every once in a while.

It is naturally non-stick and easy to clean

Cast iron cookware is naturally non-stick and easy to clean. Cast iron is a tough material that is difficult to scratch or damage. Once you use and season cast iron cookware regularly, they get a naturally non-stick finish. Nothing sticks to them, making it easy to cook and clean.

To season cast iron cookware, you can follow these steps:

• Boil water in the new cast iron cookware.
• Once cooled, wash it with warm, soapy water and a steel scrubber/scrub pad.
• Rinse thoroughly and dry the cookware with a paper towel/cloth.
• Place it on the gas stove. Heat it till water evaporates.
• Spread a layer of cooking oil (any edible oil) on the entire cookware - top and bottom.
• Heat the cookware till smoke is visible.
• Saute chopped onions or vegetable waste till it turns brown.
• Discard the content.
• Wipe thoroughly and store cookware in a dry place until next use.

To clean cast iron cookware, follow these steps:

• Wash cast iron cookware with soapy water and a scrub pad.
• Heat it mildly on a gas stove until completely dry.
• Apply cooking oil all over to prevent rusting.

Cast iron cookware is a great choice for those who want to invest in durable and long-lasting kitchenware.

It is affordable and of superior quality

Cast iron cookware is a great choice for those looking for affordable and superior-quality cooking equipment. It is a one-time investment that will last for years, and its even heating and heat retention properties make it a top choice for cooking. Cast iron is heavier and tougher than sheet iron and is not easily scratched or damaged. With regular use and seasoning, cast iron cookware develops a natural non-stick finish, making it easy to cook and clean.

The Indus Valley, a popular brand in India, offers a range of cast iron cookware sets at affordable prices. Their Super Smooth Cast Iron Cookware Set, which includes a frying pan, kadai, and tawa, is made of 100% natural and toxin-free cast iron. This set is a healthier alternative to non-stick cookware, which often contains harmful chemicals. The pre-seasoned cast iron kadai is perfect for cooking a variety of dishes, while the tawa can be used for making dosas, rotis, and parathas. The frying pan is ideal for preparing paneer tikka, chicken curry, and sandwiches.

Another great option is the Premium Cast Iron Cookware Set by The Indus Valley, which includes a fry pan, kadai, and tawa. This set is made of 100% pure cast iron and is free from any harmful chemical coatings. The fry pan is perfect for cooking a variety of dishes, while the kadai can be used for making curries, gravies, and deep-frying snacks. The tawa is ideal for making dosas, rotis, and parathas.

For those looking for a more compact set, the Wonderchef Forza 2-piece set, which includes a 25 cm cast-iron casserole with a lid and a 20 cm cast-iron fry pan, is a great choice. This set is also pre-seasoned and induction-friendly.

Cast iron cookware is not only affordable and long-lasting but also adds a unique flavour to your food. It is a great way to incorporate iron into your diet and improve your health. With proper care and seasoning, cast iron cookware can be a valuable addition to your kitchen that will last for generations.

It is versatile and can be used on gas stoves, induction cooktops, OTGs, and campfires

The versatility of cast iron cookware is unparalleled. From stovetop to oven, grilling to smoking, this kitchen essential shines in a variety of cooking methods. Cast iron can be used on gas stoves, induction cooktops, OTGs, and campfires.

The cast iron tawa and skillet pan work on gas stoves, induction cooktops, OTGs, and campfires. The pre-seasoned cast iron kadai is perfect for making dishes like dal, gravy, sabzis, and samosas. However, due to its concave shape, the cast iron kadhai is not suitable for use on induction cooktops.

Induction cooktops use an electromagnetic field to transfer heat to cookware containing ferrous metal. Iron is a ferrous metal, which makes cast iron perfect for induction. The cast iron frying pan is versatile and can be used to make paneer tikka, chicken curry, sandwiches, and much more. It works on gas, induction stoves, OTGs, and campfires.

Cast iron will transform your gas grill and really help you step up your grilling game! Pop a cast iron skillet or griddle on the grill to prepare small or delicate foods that are difficult to cook directly on the grill grate, such as fish, veggies, pizza, and smash burgers. Or use a Dutch oven to simmer baked beans while you cook the brats directly on the grill.

There's nothing better than cooking under the stars! Campfire cooking is a fun challenge, and the delicious and smoky results simply can't be replicated in the kitchen. Cast iron brings the durability needed to withstand the heat and elements and gives you the versatility to cook almost anything outside.

It is a healthier alternative to non-stick cookware

Cast iron cookware is a healthier alternative to non-stick cookware. Non-stick coatings often contain polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) or ceramic, which can release toxic fumes if overheated. While the use of PFOA, a substance used to make Teflon, has been discontinued, it has been replaced by similar chemicals that may pose health risks. Cast iron, on the other hand, is made from natural materials and is free from harmful chemicals. It is a good source of dietary iron, improving health by maintaining haemoglobin levels. Cast iron is also durable, with proper care, it can last for generations.

The Indus Valley, a popular brand in India, offers a range of cast iron cookware sets. Their products are pre-seasoned with vegetable oil, ensuring superior performance and a natural non-stick finish. The sets typically include a combination of a fry pan/skillet, kadai, and tawa, which are essential for Indian cooking. The brand also offers pure iron cookware sets, which are completely free from harmful chemicals and enrich your food with iron content.

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