When you think of homemade lunch, what comes to your mind? Is it the enticing smell of well-baked flour? Or the image of fluffy chapatis steaming and ready to eat? Or maybe you remember golden dosas and savory uttapam? Whatever memory or image you have of an ideal lunch there is a high chance that a tawa is used to make it.   

Tawa, or the Indian flat pan, has been a kitchen staple since not only our childhood but also the childhood of our mothers and grandmothers. This slightly incurved utensil has the power to create some of the most loved recipes of India – whether stuffed parathas or delicious chilas.    

Today, there are many options of tawas available in the market that offer distinct benefits and properties. But nothing beats the classic brass tawa and here are the reasons why.   

An Icon of Indian Kitchens 

Tawa has been as essential to the culinary scene in India as fuel is for cooking. Its presence in any kitchen cannot be undermined as it is one of the most used utensils in the whole kitchen set. However, brass tawas take these functionalities a step further, offering you a bagful of health and cooking benefits. 

1. Makes Cooking Easier 

There is a reason why traditional Indian kitchens had brass tawas before non-stick coating, aluminum, or stainless steel was invented. The idea behind its prevalent use was simple: brass has the cooking properties of aluminum and stainless steel combined. It is also naturally non-sticky which makes difficult recipes, like starchy foods, easier to cook. Since brass is also a good conductor of heat, cooking meals in brass tawa feels like a breeze as it balances the heat and cooks the contents evenly. This is not only limited to brass tawa, but all brass cookware makes excellent kitchen accessories. 

2. Perfect Utensil for Better Health 

Do you know that brass cookware is the only metal that retains more than 90% of the nutritional value of your food? Various studies claim that food cooked in a brass vessel loses only around 7% of its nutrients. Not only that, since brass is an alloy of copper and zinc, it infuses your food with these minerals which are beneficial for your immune system and metabolism. So next time you cook your roti or paratha in a brass tawa, remember that you won’t be eating an extra flavorful meal but also a healthy one as well. 

3. Saves Your Favorite Flavors  

Stir-fried vegetables, chilas, and other recipes made on a brass tawa are a treat for the tongue. Brass not only retains the nutrients but also helps keep the intended taste of your favorite dish intact. So, you can cook spicy, savory, or any other dish with confidence without the worry of any change in flavor. 

4. Ideal Utensil for Everyday Use 

Brass is one of the sturdiest metals available to us that is an alloy of two other natural metals. It inherits the strength of these metals which makes it superior in terms of endurance. That is why brass tawas can sometimes last generations of use with proper maintenance. They are more durable than aluminum or copper tawas, which makes them ideal for everyday cooking. 

5. Gold Standard of Versatility 

A brass tawa can be used to cook various meals – from traditional to global or a mix of both. You can cook, scramble, or stir-fry without worrying about wearing the utensil. So, if you think twice about making difficult dishes due to the fear that they might stick to the surface or burn, cooking on brass tawa will give you the perfect excuse to cast aside that fear. 

6. An Aesthetic That Charms Everyone 

Beautiful utensils are a pleasure to cook in and brass tawa is as beautiful as they come. This cookware evokes a traditional aesthetic appeal that elevates all your culinary tasks. It has a warm golden tint that becomes more attractive with every use. For a perfect pinch of nostalgia in the kitchen, you must bring a brass tawa to your home. 

7. A Step Towards Sustainability 

Brass tawa is infinitely recyclable, meaning, it can be reshaped, reforged, and repurposed for other uses in different industries. And due to this eco-friendly property, brass requires less energy for its production, reducing the impact on the environment. It is also a 100% non-toxic metal that remains safe to use even after many years. 

Brass Tawas Vs. Other Tawas 

Uses Of Brass Tawa 

A single brass tawa redefines versatility allowing you to cook several dishes through many ways. This utensil can help you make traditional dishes with a modern touch and vice versa. 

• Cooking: This is the go-to method of making meals on a brass tawa. You can cook rotis, chapatis, parathas, dosas, uttapam and more. 

• Stir frying: Brass tawa can be used for slowly stir-frying vegetables or other ingredients. Its high heat conductivity helps in easily making a healthy vegetarian or non-vegetarian dish. 

• Searing: This utensil can be used to well-cook small chunks of meats like fish and poultry. 

• Roasting: You can effortlessly roast dry fruits and nuts over the brass tawa. 

How to Care for Your Brass Tawa? 

To ensure your brassware lasts long and functions well, proper maintenance is necessary.  Here are a few tips that will help you clean and care for your brass tawa. 

• Seasoning: It is recommended that you season your brass tawa before using it for the first time. Start by heating it on the stove and then apply a thin layer of oil to create a natural non-stick surface. 

• Cleaning: Brass tawa can be easily cleaned with home ingredients. For the best results you can use a mixture of salt and lemon or baking soda and lemon. Rub these ingredients gently over the surface of the metal and then leave them for 15-30 minutes depending on how clean you want it to be. Rinse the utensil with warm water. Viola! You now have a brass utensil as good as new. 

• Storage: Keep your brass tawa away from harmful chemicals and other abrasive materials. Also, moisture can increase the process of oxidization, which in turn leads to tarnishing. 

A Final Thought  

The Brass Tawa is a nod to tradition, a simple tool that is capable of creating wonders with easy recipes. Whether you are craving steaming rotis (flatbreads) or sweet pancakes, the tawa will surely come to your rescue.   

A brass tawa, unlike any other tawa, has the perfect qualities that makes it one of the best utensils for cooking. It is naturally non-sticky and a great conductor of heat, allowing you to cook your favorite meals effortlessly.