Ceramic cookware is used

by

Ceramic cookware is used in India, particularly in traditional and rural kitchens, for preparing a variety of dishes. Ceramic pots and pans have been used for centuries due to their heat-retaining properties and ability to impart a unique flavor to food. Here are some common types of ceramic cookware used in India:

  1. Handi: A handi is a deep, round, and wide-mouthed ceramic pot with a lid. It’s commonly used for slow-cooking dishes like biryani, pulao, and various curries.
  2. Kadai: A kadai, often referred to as a wok or deep frying pan, is used for frying, sautéing, and preparing deep-fried Indian snacks like pakoras and samosas.
  3. Tava: A tava is a flat, round ceramic griddle used for making various types of Indian bread, including roti, chapati, and paratha.
  4. Curry Pots: Small ceramic curry pots are used to prepare and serve individual portions of curry, dals, and other dishes.
  5. Tagine: Though not originally Indian, the use of ceramic tagines has gained popularity for making slow-cooked and spiced dishes.
  6. Dum Pots: Dum cooking involves slow-cooking food in a sealed pot, and ceramic dum pots are often used for making dishes like dum biryani.
  7. Baking Dishes: Ceramic baking dishes are used for making dishes like casseroles, baked pasta, and desserts like lasagna and bread pudding.
  8. Clay Pots (Matka): Though not precisely ceramic, clay pots (matkas) are widely used in rural Indian households for storing water and keeping it cool in hot weather.
  9. Curry Plates: Curry plates, also known as curry bowls, are shallow ceramic bowls used for serving various types of Indian curries.
  10. Pressure Cooker Base: Some ceramic cookware is designed to be placed at the base of pressure cookers to prevent direct contact between the food and the heating element.

Ceramic cookware is appreciated for its ability to distribute heat evenly and retain it for slow cooking. The porous nature of ceramic can also enhance the flavor of dishes by allowing them to absorb and release moisture slowly. While traditional clay pots and ceramic cookware remain popular in many parts of India, modern kitchens may also incorporate ceramic-coated non-stick cookware for everyday cooking.