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Good bye Teflon, hello non-stick cast iron

Discussion in 'Healthy Living' started by BeeAmma, Aug 5, 2010.

  1. BeeAmma

    BeeAmma Silver IL'ite

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    Non-stick cookware is a valuable aid in weight loss. It helps us prepare our daily meals with a fraction of fat. Every house has a few non-stick pans and so did I. I was aware of rumblings of health hazards associated with the non-stick coating but did not realize the extent till until recently.

    Please check the following link for details on the health hazards with teflon:
    Teflon labeled cancer risk
    Given the cancer risk associated with one of the key chemicals of Teflon,
    I decided to switch to our good old cast iron tawa for making dosas and chapatis.

    I was pleasantly surprised with cast iron. Cast iron can replace the Teflon non-stick. Key is to preseason the pan and then mainting the non-stick coating after daily use(it is very easy). When we purchase a tawa, in the US some of them come be preseasoned with the non-stick layer. For those that have tawas from India, you can make it non-stick with the following process shown very well in this youtube video:
    YouTube - Cast Iron Skillet: How to Season and Protect Your Cast Iron

    I also follow the cleaning and post-use care outlined in the video. I am able to make dosas without any oil. Encouraged by the results, I also purchased a cast iron skillet and made black bean patties yesterday.

    Wanted to share this useful finding with fellow ilites.
     
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  2. OOPALL

    OOPALL Silver IL'ite

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    Hi BeeAmma,
    I too had switched to cast iron cookware a few years back. A friend of mine had seen some reort on TV regarding the teflon coating and shared the information with me. Besides cooking in cast iron is a good source for adding iron in your diet.
    Cast iron cookware take a little more to care for but its going to last a very long time. And you don't have to worry about the coating coming off.

    Thanks for sharing the information with everyone.
    OOPALL
     
  3. BeeAmma

    BeeAmma Silver IL'ite

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    Thanks oopall for the feedback.

    What cast iron cookware do you have?
    I am thinking of getting a cast iron wok next:).

    Any idea about seasoning tawa with wooden handle. Not sure if I can put it in the oven. Still trying to figure that one out.
     
  4. OOPALL

    OOPALL Silver IL'ite

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    Hi BeeAmma,
    I have 2 skillets small & large, 2 sauce pans (hundi) 1.5qt &3qt. and a tawa. I use them for all my cooking. My next purchase is going to be a kadhai.
    My tawa has a built in handle of cast iron (log cabin brand).

    To answer your question regarding the wooden handle, can the handle come off? Is it screw in type handle or is it fixed? My best bet would be to see if 200 deg oven temp while seasoning, will damage the handle. This is a hard one:hide:.
    Thanks,
    OOPALL
     
  5. BeeAmma

    BeeAmma Silver IL'ite

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    Thanks oopall. I did not know about the sauce pans. I was under the impression that it is primarily used for dry dishes.

    By kadhai, do you mean wok that is found in the US or our desi kadhai?
     
  6. OOPALL

    OOPALL Silver IL'ite

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    Hi BeeAmma,
    I mean a desi kadhai.. I have a small one but I am looking for a big one.
    About 20 years ago, this friend of ours (gora) had bought a new set of cast iron dishes and as he was moving, he gave me the set - brand new never used. And I was a bit paagal back then,(didnt realise this was the GOOD cookware) I gave those away to another friend. So started all over again.

    OOPALL
     
  7. BeeAmma

    BeeAmma Silver IL'ite

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    LOL that is funny. I was at that point last week. I had put the tawas my dear mommie given me 3 years ago in the garage and was using non-stick.

    When I decided to go with cast iron and did not know where the tawas were and was wondering if I was crazy enough to throw them:hide:.

    Luckily found them.
     
  8. tashidelek2002

    tashidelek2002 IL Hall of Fame

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    BeeAmma:
    Just interjecting: the good brand here in USA for cast iron is Lodge. They use very good iron and also they grind the surfaces so they are smooth. The cheap cast iron is not smooth. I think Lodge sells a big wok but it is a bit pricey.

    I was watching QVC the other day while doing filing here at the house and they had a close out on a cast iron grill pan with enamel on the outside which I ordered. I have been having fun this week playing with it.

    I am hoping to get the new green pans someday when the finances allow. Those are non stick but made from sand and are safe and withstand up to 500F. That is the new thing in nonstick.

    Oopall is right about the cast iron adding iron to the diet so any ladies who are anemic should try to use some cast iron for that reason alone. I would think that aspect would be helpful esp to vegetarians.
     
  9. pridelady

    pridelady New IL'ite

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    Can anybody tell me how to prevent cast iron utensils from rust, as every time I wash them they become rusty and even the place where I keep them to dry becomes rusty.
     
  10. priyanka2009

    priyanka2009 New IL'ite

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    Hi Beeamma - Can you please advise me on the brand cast iron pan /khadai.

    I had brought prestige cast iron tava but the coating came out fast and then dosas were sticking on them.

    thanks in advance
     

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