Forget about fancy cookware ‘cause cast iron is making a comeback! It is not only a nod to traditional cooking techniques but also a step toward healthier and more flavourful meals. Cast iron cookware is made up of an alloy of iron, carbon, and silicon that makes it ultra-durable and dent-resistant. The pan not only spreads heat evenly but also retains it well. This feature makes it super versatile and go-to cookware for searing, shallow frying and baking. If you’re planning to get one, our guide will help you understand its benefits, how to maintain it, and the essential pieces you need to level up your cooking game.
The Benefits of Cooking in Cast Iron
If you are still on the fence about getting your very own cast iron cookware, this is the right time to experiment. Here is a list of key benefits that make cast iron an ideal choice for your kitchen:
Exceptional Heat Retention and Distribution
A standout feature of cast iron cookware is its ability to retain and evenly distribute heat. It makes it perfect for searing, frying, and baking. Once you heat a pan, it maintains the temperature longer than most cookware, which helps cook food evenly and thoroughly. This feature is quite helpful for dishes like steaks and stir-fries.
Health Benefits
Cooking in cast-iron cookware can increase your iron intake. It adds small amounts of iron to your food. Moreover, cast iron pans do not contain harmful chemicals like Teflon, which is often found in non-stick cookware, making them a safer choice for your health.
Durability and Longevity
Cast iron is incredibly durable and can last for generations with proper care. Unlike other cookware that bends or discards in some time, it only gets better with every use. A well-seasoned cast iron skillet actually develops that special natural non-stick surface that helps you cook well and gives you incredible flavours.
Things You Should Know About Cast Iron Cookware
Before purchasing cast iron pieces, it’s important to understand a few aspects of owning and maintaining this type of cookware.
Seasoning
Seasoning allows the formation of a natural non-stick coating on cast iron. When the pan is coated with a thin layer of oil and heated, this creates a polymerised layer that protects the metal and enhances the cooking surface. Regular seasoning is necessary to maintain this non-stick layer and prevent rust.
Maintenance
Cast iron cookware requires special care to ensure its longevity. Soap is a ‘no-no’ in normal cleaning, as it wipes out the seasoning. Use hot water and a stiff brush instead. Afterwards, dry it well to prevent rust, rub it with a thin layer of oil, and then store it.
Weight and Handling
The old-school cast iron cookware is heavy, and that can be a drawback for users. Modern innovations have led to the creation of lightweight cast iron pans that offer exactly those benefits without the extra heft.
Top 5 Essential Cast Iron Cookware to Have in Your Kitchen
Fry Pan
A cast iron frying pan is one of the most versatile pieces of cookware that should be in every kitchen. It’s ideal for browning and searing meat, sautéing veggies, preparing omelettes, or even baking. Its excellent heat retention makes it ideal for tasks that require consistent, high heat. Whether you’re making a delicate omelette or a hearty steak, a cast iron fry pan delivers exceptional results.
Dosa Tawa
A dosa tawa is a flat, round griddle that is excellent for preparing traditional dosas, crepes, pancakes, and more. Its large surface area cooks whatever is put inside it evenly. If you love to start your day with a hearty and wholesome breakfast, this cookware is perfect for you. Check the cast iron price online to find the best deals.
Kadhai
Cook cast iron dishes that are rich in flavour and texture using a kadhai. It is a deep cooking vessel with a round bottom that can be used for stir-frying, deep-frying, and making curries. The shape of the cookware allows easy stirring and even cooking. If you are in love with Asian and Indian cuisines, this is a must-have.
Grill Pan
A cast iron grill pan brings an outdoor grilling sensation inside your home. The pan’s ridges create perfect grill marks and allow fat to drain away from the food, resulting in healthier meals. It’s ideal for grilling vegetables, meats, and sandwiches, providing that coveted charred flavour without needing a barbecue grill. Buy cast iron cookware online and have a fun time with friends and family.
Casserole
A cast iron casserole dish is perfect for slow cooking, baking, and braising. Its heavy lid helps retain moisture, making it ideal for preparing tender roasts, stews, and casseroles. Its versatility allows it to go from stovetop to oven, making it a valuable addition to any kitchen.
Factors to Consider While Buying Cast Iron Cookware
Quality and Brand
If you are buying cast iron online, remember that not all cast iron cookware is equal. Invest in reputable brands known for their quality, which has a longstanding reputation for producing durable and high-performing cast iron cookware.
Pre-Seasoned vs. Unseasoned
Pre-seasoned pans come ready to use, with a layer of seasoning already applied. Unseasoned pans require seasoning before use. Pre-seasoned pans are convenient, especially for beginners, but unseasoned pans allow you to customise the seasoning from scratch.
Size and Weight
Consider the size and weight of the cookware, especially if you have mobility issues or limited storage space. Lightweight options are available and provide the same benefits as traditional cast iron without the added heft.
Enameled vs. Bare Cast Iron
Enameled cast iron cookware has a porcelain coating that prevents rust and allows for easier cleaning. It’s ideal for cooking acidic foods that might react with bare cast iron. However, it’s typically more expensive than bare cast iron and can be prone to chipping.
Conclusion
Investing in cast iron cookware is a decision that pays off in the long run. With its unparalleled heat retention, durability, and health benefits, cast iron can transform your cooking experience. By understanding how to maintain and care for your cast iron pieces, you can ensure they last for generations. Start with these essential pieces—fry pan, dosa tawa, kadhai, grill pan, and casserole—and you’ll be well on your way to mastering a wide range of culinary delights.
Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a home cook, cast iron cookware is a valuable addition to your kitchen. So, why wait? Upgrade your cooking and bring home the timeless charm of cast iron today.
FAQs
Why should I choose cast iron cookware?
Cast iron cookware is a kitchen powerhouse. It’s incredibly durable, retaining and distributing heat evenly, perfect for searing, frying, baking, and more. Plus, with proper care, it can last for generations. It’s also a healthier option, as it can add small amounts of iron to your diet and avoid the chemicals found in non-stick coatings.
How do I prevent rust on cast iron cookware?
Preventing rust on cast iron cookware is all about proper maintenance. After each use, clean your cast iron with hot water and a brush (avoid soap if possible), dry it thoroughly, and apply a thin layer of oil before storing it. If rust does appear, don’t worry—scrub it off with steel wool, re-season the pan, and it will be as good as new.
Can I use cast iron cookware on all types of stovetops?
Absolutely! Cast iron cookware is versatile and can be used on all types of stovetops, including gas, electric, induction, and even on an open flame. Just be cautious with smooth-top stoves, as the heavy and rough-bottomed cast iron can scratch the surface.
What foods can I cook in cast iron cookware?
Cast iron’s possibilities are endless! You can cook a wide variety of foods, including steaks, pancakes, fried eggs, roasted vegetables, casseroles, and even desserts like cobblers and brownies. Its excellent heat retention makes it ideal for dishes that require consistent, high heat.
What are some foods that are ideal for cooking in cast iron?
Cast iron is perfect for foods that benefit from even, high heat, like crispy-skinned chicken, golden pancakes, perfectly seared vegetables, and deliciously caramelised onions. It’s also great for one-pan meals, where you can start on the stovetop and finish in the oven, like frittatas or baked pasta dishes.
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