The Indus Valley Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Square Paniyaram Pan | 9pit, 24cm,Naturally Nonstick Appe/Paddu Pan, 100% Pure & Toxin-Free, No Chemical Coating, Black

The Indus Valley Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Square Paniyaram Pan (9 Pit, 24 cm) – An In-depth Review

The Indus Valley is a trusted name in natural, toxin-free cookware, and their Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Square Paniyaram Pan is no exception. This traditional yet high-performance kitchen essential brings back the magic of old-style cooking with modern convenience. With a 9-pit design and a robust 24 cm structure, it’s designed to help home chefs and food lovers recreate authentic Indian snacks such as appe, paddu, kuzhi paniyaram, and even mini egg bites or pancakes – all in a healthy, chemical-free way.

. Build and Material Quality: 100% Pure Cast Iron

At the heart of this paniyaram pan lies pure cast iron, which is known for its strength, durability, and natural non-stick characteristics when seasoned properly. Unlike non-stick cookware with synthetic chemical coatings like Teflon, cast iron develops its natural slickness over time with oil seasoning. This pan is made without synthetic chemicals or coatings, making it completely toxin-free and safe for long-term use.

The sturdy material ensures this cookware can last for generations with proper care. Cast iron is also highly resistant to warping or damage, even when exposed to high cooking temperatures.

. Pre-Seasoned and Naturally Non-Stick

A major benefit of this paniyaram pan is that it comes pre-seasoned using 100% vegetable oil, which means it’s ready to use right out of the box (though a light rinse and warm-up are still recommended). Over time, with regular usage and oiling, the non-stick layer improves naturally. This makes cooking easier without the need for excessive oil and also ensures that food doesn’t stick to the pits.

Unlike chemical-coated pans, you don’t have to worry about flakes or peeling. This natural seasoning also enhances the taste of food, giving your snacks a deliciously rustic, earthy flavour.

. Health Benefits: No Toxins, Iron-Enriched Cooking

This pan is 100% free from toxic elements like PFOA, PTFE, and other artificial non-stick chemicals, ensuring that your food is as healthy as it is tasty. One of the unique advantages of cooking in cast iron cookware is that it can naturally increase the iron content in your food, which is especially beneficial for people with iron deficiencies, such as children or women.

Since it requires less oil due to its natural seasoning, it also promotes low-oil cooking, supporting a healthier diet without sacrificing taste or texture.

. Design and Usability: 9 Pits, Square Shape, Comfortable Handles

The 9 evenly spaced pits allow you to cook multiple pieces at once, making it efficient for breakfast or snack preparation. Each pit is well-shaped and deep enough to ensure uniform cooking with a crisp outer texture and soft interior. Whether you’re making classic South Indian paddu, sweet paniyaram, cheesy egg bites, or experimenting with Western-style mini muffins or pancakes, the results are consistently satisfying.

Its square design is not just aesthetically modern—it also helps in efficient space utilization on your gas stove or induction cooktop. The pan comes with double handles for safe lifting, even when hot, and gives a balanced grip.

The 24 cm diameter strikes a perfect balance—not too big to be bulky, and not too small to limit quantity.

. Compatibility and Versatility

This paniyaram pan is compatible with gas stoves, electric stoves, and induction cooktops, making it versatile across different kitchen setups. It also works well on traditional firewood stoves, making it ideal for rural or outdoor cooking.

Apart from classic South Indian dishes like paddu, kuzhi paniyaram, or unni appam, you can also use it to prepare:

• Mini frittatas

• Egg muffins

• Chocolate balls

• Bite-sized desserts

• Veggie-filled pancake bites

Its high heat-retention quality ensures that your food cooks evenly and remains hot for longer.

. Maintenance and Care Tips

Though cast iron demands a bit more care than regular non-stick cookware, the results and longevity it offers make it worth the effort. Here’s how you can maintain this pan for years:

• Cleaning: Avoid using soap or steel scrubbers. Use hot water and a soft sponge. Dry thoroughly after washing.

• Seasoning: After each wash, apply a thin coat of cooking oil to maintain the non-stick surface and prevent rusting.

• Storage: Store in a dry place. You can also wrap it in a cotton cloth to avoid moisture exposure.

With these simple steps, the pan only gets better over time!

. Eco-Friendly and Sustainable

Unlike disposable non-stick cookware, this cast iron pan is eco-friendly and sustainable. It reduces the need for frequent replacements, thereby minimizing environmental impact. The Indus Valley emphasizes sustainability and traditional Indian cooking wisdom, making this product a great choice for conscious consumers.

. Value for Money

Given its premium build quality, versatility, and health benefits, this paniyaram pan offers excellent value for money. It replaces multiple modern non-stick pans and adds authenticity to your kitchen without compromising safety or taste. Its long life means fewer expenses over time, and since it gets better with age, it’s more of a long-term investment than just a purchase.