To master Indian cooking, apart from having culinary skills, and authentic recipes and ingredients, one must also have traditional cookware, like the Kadhai. This cookware is made using many different materials, but its versatility is unmatched. It is useful for making varied recipes using different cooking techniques, such as deep frying, steaming, sautéing, etc. It is also a popular cookware for making Indian desserts, like a variety of Halwas, Gulab Jamun, Jalebi, etc. However, there are different types of Kadhais, and choosing the right one will assure the best outcome of your recipes. So, what are the different types of Kadhai and how can you use them? Continue reading to know!
Types of Kadhai
Kadhais and their uses are based on their size, weight, material, and shape. These also define the types of kadhai you’ll find in the market. Let’s take a look at some of them.
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Non-Stick Kadhai
As the name indicates, non-stick Kadhais prevent food from sticking to the base and getting burned. While you’ll find ample non-stick Kadhais in the market, the triply Nevrstick is 100% PFOA-free, toxin-free and made using a high-quality coating that lasts longer and is chip-resistant. It is ideal for the health conscious as it requires no oil to cook food.
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Stainless Steel Kadhai
While stainless steel may not be the best material for cooking, triply stainless steel is one of the best materials made for all cooking techniques. A triply stainless steel kadhai assures uniform heat distribution so that your food does not stick or burn. Plus, it comes in many shapes suitable for all your preferred cooking styles.
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Hybrid Kadhai
Hybrid Kadhais are made using a combination of stainless steel and non-stick coating. One of the best combinations is that of Greblon coating and stainless steel as it is 100% toxin-free and PFOA-free. It makes the cookware durable, sturdy, stick-resistant and chip-resistant. Also, you can use metal spoons and spatulas when cooking with these kadhais without worrying about scratches and chipping.
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Tasla Kadhai
This is a variation of the usual Kadhai and it is used for kneading dough, basic mixing, or serving food. Taslas are easy to store and can be stacked as they do not have handles.
While the types of kadhais stated above will help you make an informed decision, one thing to consider when choosing them is whether you need a lid or not. It looks like a straightforward decision, but it is one that requires considerable thought. Buying a Kadhai with a lid means that you don’t have to buy an extra piece of cookware when you want to store food in the same cookware. But if you have a storage crunch and want to stack and store, then it is best to have Kadhais without lids.
If you do plan to buy a Kadhai with a lid, it is best to have a stainless-steel lid, as it is more durable, easy to maintain, and residue-free.
Once you’ve finalized the type of kadhai you want to buy, get one in the size that suits your cooking requirement and weighs appropriate enough for you to handle, clean and maintain it conveniently. The brand sizing guide should help you decide the same. Go ahead and get the best kadhais for your needs.
