Vegan Masala

Plant-based Indian recipes, made authentically

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Indian cooking equipment

You don’t need a full kitchen makeover — a few key tools make Indian cooking easier, faster, and more consistent.

Tools that help most

Start with a heavy pot, a good pan, and one way to grind spices. Add a pressure cooker later if you want speed.

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Small tadka pan for tempering spices in oil

Recommended kitchen tool

Tadka pan (tempering pan)

Perfect for blooming spices in oil (tadka) and pouring over dal, chana, and curries.

Tip: Keep it small — spices bloom fast and can burn.

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Kadai (karahi) pan

Recommended kitchen tool

Vinod Nutri-Tech Triply Non-Stick Kadai, 24cm

Great for stir-frying, bhaji-style dishes, and quick curries.

Tip: Hot pan + quick movement = better flavour and texture.

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Tawa for cooking rotis and flatbreads

Recommended kitchen tool

La Cuisine Pre-Seasoned Cast-Iron Tawa, 28cm

Essential for rotis, chapatis, parathas, and toasting spices.

Tip: Heat until a sprinkle of water dances; don’t oil for chapati.

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Heavy-bottom pot or Dutch oven on a stovetop

Recommended kitchen tool

MasterClass Cast-Aluminium Casserole Dish, 2.5L

Best for curries and dals: even heat prevents sticking and scorching.

Tip: Use medium heat and stir after adding tomatoes or purées.

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Pressure cooker used for lentils and beans

Recommended kitchen tool

Instant Pot Plus 9-in-1 Multi-Cooker, 5.7L

Speeds up lentils, chickpeas, and beans — weeknight game-changer.

Tip: Finish with tadka for best flavour.

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Spice grinder with whole spices

Recommended kitchen tool

KRUPS Coffee Grinder and Spice Mill, 200W

Fresh-ground spices taste dramatically better (cumin, coriander, pepper).

Tip: Grind small batches and keep in a sealed jar.

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Mortar and pestle for crushing spices

Recommended kitchen tool

Mortar & pestle

Crush ginger/garlic, chilli, and whole spices for pastes and marinades.

Tip: A rough paste is often better than perfectly smooth.

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Fine mesh sieve

Recommended kitchen tool

KitchenCraft Fine-Mesh Sieve, 25cm

Great for rinsing lentils and straining chai or stocks.

Tip: Rinse lentils until water runs clearer for cleaner flavour.

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Wooden spoon for stirring curries

Recommended kitchen tool

Wooden spoon

Simple but essential — great for stirring without scratching pans.

Tip: Stir after adding tomatoes to prevent catching at the bottom.

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Next: spices + herbs

Tools help with consistency — spices and herbs bring the magic.