I remember my grandmother (the best cook that I have ever met!) cooking in the kitchen sitting on a low seat on the floor; overlooking the gas stove also on the floor while the kitchen stayed glowing clean and organized with the metal brass and steel kitchenware and appliances. I used to sit next to her and enjoy the aroma around with the cacophony of the vessels and spatulas striking together to create harmony among the spices…

Gone are those days!

Now, I prefer my modular kitchen, chimney, dishwasher and many more that help me cook in a smarter way... Not to forget the gas stove that has been replaced by my new induction cooktop!  Two generations past, cooking has evolved like there is no tomorrow; I believe that one can really enjoy cooking given the perfect kitchen – and I have it!

So, what's so different about my kitchen? Nothing that is impossible to get…With just a bit of clever purchases and smart maintenance you are good to go.

The most "valuable" thing in my kitchen is my kitchen-ware. Most of which is Non- Stick (however I do have some of my grandmother's utensils to remind me of the masale-dar mutton curry cooked only in a specific metal -brass kadai!). Non-stick vessels are affordable, extremely light weighted and superbly easy to handle and clean. The best part, it comes in the brightest of color which add the shine to your kitchen.

Well, to start with benefits of Non-Stick are many folds, but the basic and the most note-worthy is that it is light weighted, easy to clean, healthier way to cook in terms of use of oil – in other words perfect kitchen ware considering the busy lifestyle of today!

However, while it seems all rosy, Non- stick utensils (Soyeramong the many I have used is the best) need to be maintained properly for healthier and long term use. So, here are few things that should be considered while using Non –Stick:

1. Wash Nonstick before Use– Always remember the wash all your utensils before use, especially your Non-stick. This has two benefits; first: it helps clean the pan of remaining substance like oil or crumbs preventing germs and second: it becomes much easier to wash post the cooking. While storing, place tissue paper between two pans if kept together. The best way to store them is by hanging.
2. A Drop of Oil– Non-stick does not mean oil-less cooking, you require to lightly grease the pan so that it does not spoil the coating. Healthy eaters might argue but Non-stick pans too need oil but much lesser than a steel or metal kadai.
3. Discard if Needed– Once the coating of your pan has a small scratch or breaks make sure you discard and get a new one. Food ingredients will get stuck to the cracks and coating will start to peal. It might not be visible while cooking so make sure you keep a check on your Non-Stick regularly.
4. Avoid High Heat– Introducing your Non-stick pan to extreme heat might result in the coat peeling off or cracking. Use of moderate heat is therefore recommended. Always avoid food from burning, if your butter is burning your pan is already burned!
5. Non – Stick not Meant for Storing–Never store your food in nonstick. Foods that are acidic in nature tend to spoil the coat sooner than usual. So take time to store away food in containers.

 

With this being said, Non- Stick Utensils are by far the best kitchen ware for the busy ladies out there who wouldn't mind bringing in some modern equipments and hassle-free cooking agents into their kitchen. 

Even though I will always love my grandmother's kitchen and her food, I have less time to spend in the kitchen and more outside, so I need to cook fast and delicious – gas stove replaced by Soyer Induction Cook-top and Metal –Brass or steel utensils used only occasionally with Non-Stick taking over, my cooking experience has become fun after a hard day's work.

Bring out the smarter chef in you!