What are the benefits of cooking in a Cast Iron Dosa Pan?

So you have consumed that crispy, sumptuous, delightful masala dosa in one of those South Indian restaurants or at your friend’s place, and yearning for more you want to replicate it in your home.

The traditional South Indian rice and dal pancake is no longer a mere South Indian dish but has entered almost every Indian homes including many in North India. It is one of the top 5 ordered dishes online but the catch is how to do it correctly while preparing at home, which the right vessel to use for cooking is, and importantly what are the health benefits of cooking in a cast iron Dosa Pan.

While there are numerous good authentic restaurants which prepare good quality dosas, there are many who in the name of Dosa dole out some kind of tasteless salty ones with additional GST and delivery charges when booked online.

Unlike other dishes dosas wouldn’t be nice to heat on microwave ovens or on pans, you need to eat it hot and fresh. When you know the benefits of cooking in a cast iron Dosa Pan at home, there is no need to order it online unless you are totally lazy. So you need to have it fresh and crisp within seconds of being plated to enjoy really.

Which is better – cast iron pan or non-stick pan?

Whether to use iron pan or opt for a non-stick one will depend on your cooking requirements and individual preferences. Let’s see in detail how each one pans out:

Dosas were made in iron pan since ages while non-stick ones were invented later and became somewhat popular for its less oil usage. It is an open secret that iron pans need a good maintenance as they need to be protected from rust and there are also other things to be taken care of.

You need to prepare the iron pan well to get good crispy dosas which includes soaking the new pan in rice water for two days and then soak it in oil for a day before you use it for the first time. You may cook an egg omlette occasionally to make the pan smooth and importantly after washing keep putting oil on the surface which protects the pan from rusting.

Non-stick pan on the other hand doesn’t need any such maintenance but once the coating on the pan goes off you need to discard it as consuming dosas cooked in it isn’t good for your body. Also, a cast iron pan can withstand high temperature, they are free of chemicals and dosas cooked on the iron pan will taste yummy.

Dosas can be cooked easily in non-stick pans as they won’t stick and it is easy to clean as not much oil would be absorbed. Do not use metal spatula for non-stick pans as it would damage the coating.

What are the advantages of cooking dosa on cast iron pan?

You intake natural elements: As the name indicates, iron pan is made of iron and consuming dosas made on it would augur well for your body as you would get some rich much needed iron.  

Safe for your body: Cast iron pan is chemical free there is no coating unlike Teflon products. Although branded non-stick cookware would be light-weight and easy to use, it can be harmful as they are made of strong chemicals to ensure that food doesn’t stick on them.

Cast iron pan would be sturdy, durable and long-lasting while non-stick cookware will lose its sheen after several uses. Repeated use of iron pan will improve its seasoning besides increasing the flavour of the dish.

FAQs

1. What is a cast iron pan?

Cast iron pan are kitchen utensils that is made from melting pure iron or scrap iron and doing sand casting to get the desired shape, either rounded or square ones. Earlier it was made from pure iron and cast iron came later on. Cast iron pan is popular for preparing dosas.

2. How to season a cast iron pan?

Clean the pan with water and sponge, wipe it clean, apply oil and leave it overnight. In the morning heat the pan for about 5 minutes, switch off and let it cool down completely.

Alternatively, after cleaning the pan with sponge and water, dry it and then pour starch water on it and leave for 2 days. Thereafter pour oil, use a cut onion to spread the oil evenly across the pan, and continue the process until the onion turns golden brown in colour. Wipe the excess oil if any with tissue paper or cloth.

3. How to clean a cast iron pan?

Clean with water and salt and then rub the surface with oil, store the pan in a cool dry place.

4. How to prevent food from sticking on to a cast iron pan?

Add good proportion of cooking oil and heat it. Some food may require more oil while some may need lesser quantity.

5. Can a cast iron pan be used for deep frying?

Yes it can be used for shallow frying, deep frying, sautéing, etc.

6. How to store a cast iron pan?

Store in a cool dry place away from sink or stove and wrap it in paper towels. Also ensure that it has a layer of oil on it even when not in use. You can also store it in bags which absorb moisture and protect it from dust.

7. How long does it take for a cast iron pan to heat?

In medium to high heat, it would take about 10 minutes to get ready to make perfect dosas. Ensure that right amount of oil is put while heating.

8. Does cooking dosa in cast iron pan have health benefits?

Yes you get good quantity of iron for your body and also it helps control hemoglobin levels.

9. What are the disadvantages of cooking in a cast iron pan?

The vessel is heavy when compared to non-stick pans. It is slow to heat and sometimes doesn’t heat evenly. It requires extensive care in cleaning and seasoning.

10. Why did people stop cooking in cast iron pan?

With the invention of Taflon, non-stick pans became popular increasing the competition.

11. How many years does a cast iron pan last?

It is extremely durable and can last a lifetime when properly maintained.

12. How to maintain a cast iron Dosa Pan?

Clean it after every use with dishwashing liquid or soap and rinse with warm water. Wipe clean with a tissue to prevent rust and put few drops of oil even when not in use.

13. What are the advantages of cooking dosa on cast iron pan?

It imparts crispiness to the dosa and enhances the flavour besides giving the much needed iron content for your body.

Conclusion

Dosas cooked on cast iron pan is better than the ones cooked on non-stick pans as dosas put on cast iron pan absorb the iron content which augurs well for human body in terms of hemoglobin and iron contents.