Whether you are a seasoned chef or just starting your culinary journey in the kitchen, choosing the right equipment can make a huge difference in your cooking. The material your cookware is made of can affect every aspect of the dishes you prepare. It may seem easy to choose the first pan you come across, but choosing the right pan can greatly impact and improve the results of any dish. From frying crispy pakodas to simmering curries, pans are a must-have in every Indian household. But with so many options available, how do you choose the right pan? If you have the same question in mind, then you have landed on the right page! Read on to find out which pan is best suited for which kind of dish.
Also read: Watch: This easy method clears burnt fat from pan in minutes
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Know how to use different types of pans for cooking
1. Stainless Steel Pan
Stainless steel utensils are multipurpose utensils for the kitchen. They are durable, non-reactive, and can resist rust and stains, making them perfect for a variety of cooking tasks. Stainless steel utensils are perfect for making chicken or paneer, browning onions, and even creating delicious gravies and curries. Since they can handle high heat, they are ideal for roasting spices and making tadka. Plus, stainless steel is oven-safe, so you can start your dish on the stovetop and finish it in the oven.
2. Cast iron pan
Preferred for their heat retention and shelf life, cast iron pans are also common in Indian households. They are heavy-duty pans that are perfect for tasks requiring consistent heat, such as making dosas. If you are planning to buy cast iron pans, go for either traditional cast iron or enameled cast iron. Traditional cast iron is ideal for cooking at high temperatures, while the latter does not impart a metallic taste to dishes cooked for a long time. With proper care and seasoning, these pans can develop a natural non-stick surface over time, making them a versatile addition to any kitchen. You can use these pans on the stovetop, in the oven, or even over an open flame. Their durability ensures that they can be used for many years.
3. Glass Pan
Glass pans have become a beloved utensil in Indian households. They are a great choice for baking, as they heat up slowly and evenly, which is perfect for recipes that require gentle heat like lasagna and puddings and baked desserts like cakes. One of the best things about glass pans is that they don’t react with acidic foods, so your dishes will always taste just the way they should. Plus, since they are transparent, you can easily see the cooking process. Glass pans are easy to clean and can be used to serve food directly on the table.
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4. Copper Utensils
Copper utensils are loved for their incredible heat conductivity. These utensils heat up quickly and evenly and can help you control cooking temperatures. Use copper utensils for delicate tasks like tempering sauces, caramels, and chocolate. They are also great for making sweets like jalebis and laddoos. However, copper utensils require more maintenance than others, so you’ll need to polish them regularly to keep them looking their best.
5. Teflon and aluminum pans
Known for their non-stick properties, Teflon and aluminium pans are perfect for making rotis, dosas and uttapams where non-stick surfaces are a must. You can also use these pans to cook eggs, pancakes and fish fillets. These pans require less oil and butter, making them a healthy option for low-fat cooking. However, make sure not to use metal utensils with these pans to avoid scratching the non-stick surface.
Also read: 8 smart tips to extend the life of non-stick pans
Which pan do you like most for cooking? Let us know in the comments below.
