Whether you are a seasoned chef or just starting your culinary journey in the kitchen, choosing the right tools can make all the difference in your cooking. The material your cookware is made from can affect every aspect of the dishes you prepare. It might seem easy to pick up the first pan you come across, but choosing the right one can greatly impact and improve the results of any dish. Pans are a staple in every Indian household, from frying up crispy pakoras to slow-cooking curries. But with so many options available, how do you choose the right one? If you have the same question in mind, then you’ve landed on the right page! Read on to know which pan is perfect for what kind of dish.
Also Read: Watch: This Easy Hack Cleans Burnt Grease On Pans In A Matter Of Minutes
Photo Credit: iStock
Here’s How You Use Different Types of Pans for Cooking
1. Stainless Steel Pan
Stainless steel pans are multi-purpose utensils for the kitchen. They are durable, non-reactive, and can resist rust and staining, making them perfect for a wide range of cooking tasks. Stainless steel pans are perfect for making chicken or paneer, browning onions, and even making delicious gravies and curries. Since they can handle high heat, they are ideal for sauteeing 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 Pans
Loved 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 that require consistent heat, like making dosas. If you are planning to buy a cast iron pan, either go with traditional cast iron or enamel cast iron. Traditional cast irons are ideal for high-temperature cooking, while the latter does not impart a metallic taste to long-cooked dishes. 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 a stovetop, in the oven, or even over an open flame. Their durability ensures that they can be used for several years.
3. Glass Pans
Glass pans have become a beloved utensil in Indian households. They are an excellent choice for baking, as they heat up slowly and evenly, which is perfect for dishes that require gentle heat like lasagnas and baked desserts like halwas and 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 as they should. Moreover, since they are transparent, you can easily watch the cooking process. Glass pans are easy to clean and can be used to serve food directly at the table.
Photo Credit: iStock
4. Copper Pans
Copper pans are loved for their incredible heat conductivity. These pans heat up quickly and evenly and can help you control the cooking temperature. Use copper pans for delicate tasks like making sauces, caramel, and tempering chocolate. They are also great for making sweets like jalebis and laddoos. However, copper pans require more maintenance than others, so you will have to polish them regularly to keep them looking their best.
5. Teflon and Aluminium Pans
Known for their non-stick properties, Teflon and aluminium pans are perfect for making rotis, dosas, and uttapams, where non-stick surfaces are key. You can also use these pans to cook eggs, pancakes, and fish fillets. These pans require less oil and butter, making them a healthier option for low-fat cooking. However, make sure not to use metal utensils with these pans to prevent scratching the non-stick surface.
Also Read: 8 Smart Tips to Increase the Life of a Non-Stick Pan
Which is your favourite kind of pan to use for cooking? Let us know in the comments below.