Whether you are a new cook or looking for an upgrade or just setting up a new kitchen, here is a list of essential Indian cooking tools and equipment that are necessary to get started.
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There are so many kitchen tools and equipment out there, it can be confusing which one to go for when you are just starting out. This list includes all the basic kitchen tools you require on a daily basis to enjoy Indian cooking.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Indian Cooking
Chakla Belan (Rolling Board and Rolling Pin)
A very useful and essential tool in an Indian kitchen to make perfectly thin, round roti. Always go for a chakla belan that has a perfect balance and grip for comfortable handling. If you are just starting out I would recommend going for a wooden chakla belan set.
Wood Rolling Board and Rolling Pin Set
Tawa
A flat or concave shaped dish is used for making roti, paratha, dosa, uttapam, and cheela. However, it is better to have separate tawa for roti and dosa. Since dosa tends to stick to the tawa, if it is not properly seasoned.
Mixing bowls
You will need these almost every time you prepare food like kneading the dough, preparing vegetables, whisking eggs, and many more.
Stainless Steel Mixing Bowls (Set of 6)
Chapati Chimta (Tong)
Chimtas are like tongs, commonly used for tossing and handling hot chapati, roti, and papad.
Masala Dabba (Spice Storage Box)
A spice storage box with a number of small tins placed inside for commonly used spices, along with a small spoon for scooping and measuring.
Knife
A good-quality chef knife is enough to make all the prep work.
Santoku Knife Kitchen Knife Ultra Sharp Chef Knife
Peeler
A sharp peeler for removing peels of vegetables and fruits.
Premium Stainless Steel Y Shape Swivel Peeler
Grater
You need a grater to shred vegetables, cheese, chocolate, nutmeg, and more.
Professional Box Grater, Stainless Steel with 4 Sides
Cutting board
For cutting meat, vegetables, fruits, and herbs.
Farberware Bamboo Cutting Board, Set of 3
Ladle and Spatula Set
A basic metal set for all the cooking
4 piece Stainless Steel Kitchen Utensil Set
Mortar-Pestle or Hamam-Dasta
A handy tool in the kitchen used for crushing or pounding ginger, garlic, and whole spices.
Heavy Duty Unpolished Granite Mortar and Pestle Set
Kadhai
Kadhai also called kadai is an Indian wok that every Indian home has in their kitchen. It is suitable for cooking many dishes like curries, stews, and deep-fries.
Hawkins Triply 3 mm Stainless Steel Deep Fry Pan 2.5 LTR with Lid
Fry Pan
These are best for stir-fries and omelettes.
Cuisinart 622-30G Chef’s Classic Nonstick Hard-Anodized 12-Inch Skillet with Glass Cover, Black
Saucepan
It is a deep stovetop pan with a long handle. You will need it for cooking or boiling anything liquid like milk, tea, stews, soups, and sauces.
Cuisinart MultiClad Pro Stainless Steel 1-1/2-Quart Saucepan with Cover
Degchi or Patila or Bhogona
Commonly used for storing water, cooking rice, and boiling milk.
Stainless Steel Copper Bottom Serving HANDI 3 PCs Set
Strainers
Used for separating solid matters from liquid. Use the small one for straining tea, the medium and large one for straining juices.
Cuisinart Kitcheniismo Strainer Set of 3
Tadka Pan
Tadka pan is a small, deep pan especially used for tempering(also called tadka) Indian dal, sabzi, raita, chutney, and more.
Eris Hard Anodized Mini Fry Pan/Tadka Pan, Black, 4.75″
Colander
A handy tool for washing vegetables and draining pasta.
KitchenAid Gourmet Stainless Steel Colander, 5-Quart, Black
Pressure Cooker
It cooks food like beans, dal, and lentils quickly within minutes and you can also quickly prepare meals in them. Traditional pressure cookers are very common in Indian homes. However, I would suggest going for an Instant pot if your budget allows.
IMUSA USA A417-80801W Stovetop Aluminum Pressure Cooker 7.0-Quart
Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker 6 Quart, 13 One-Touch Programs
Wooden spoons
Very essential especially when using nonstick cookware.
Riveira Wooden Spoons for Cooking 6-Piece Bamboo Utensil Set
Measuring Cups and Spoons
A set of measuring cups and spoons is what you will need to get the exact measurement when you follow an original recipe’s measurements.
Stainless Steel Measuring Cups & Spoons 10-Piece Set
Which cooking tool is your favorite? Do let me know in the comment section below. You can also CONNECT ME on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest
Happy Cooking!
Adam Rich
Very nice, love the blog..