In last week’s Digest we began to embark a little further on the Conscious Kitchen journey at V-Giyan™. After concentrating on the ingredients of our recipes in the initial stages, our attention was now drawn towards the cookware used to create the Chef’s masterpieces. Driven by our vision and research our path has seen us make a hard move away from non-stick vessels, to stainless steel and cast iron pots and pans, it is worth noting here there is already no aluminum in the Kitchen so that wasn't part of the comparison.

In our devotion to conscious cooking and holistic well-being, the energy we bring into the kitchen is just as vital as the ingredients we choose. Every pot, every pan holds the potential to nourish not only our bodies but also our souls. As we journey towards greater awareness, we must consider the materials that cradle our food. For years, non-stick cookware has promised ease and efficiency, yet beneath its sleek surface lies a troubling truth-one that has encouraged a return to the wisdom of time-honoured, natural alternatives, consciously, the V-Giyan™ kitchen has moved to all natural-metal cookware vessels.

Our Concerns with Non-stick Cookware
While modern convenience often comes at a hidden cost, few realise the risks associated with non-stick cookware. Traditional non-stick coatings, such as Teflon, contain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), known as "forever chemicals" due to their persistence in the environment and the body. These compounds, when heated, release toxic fumes and can leach into food over time, raising concerns about hormonal balance, cancers, immunity, and overall well-being. Can anything synthetically produced really harmonise with us as well as elements and compounds which nature has embellished us with? As guardians of nourishment, we owe it to ourselves and our loved ones to choose cookware that aligns with our health and values. Fortunately, nature has already provided us with exquisite alternatives-stainless steel and cast iron, imbued with its own unique beauty and purpose.

Stainless Steel
Elegant, strong, and versatile, stainless steel is the trusted ally of those who love to cook with precision and grace. Its ability to withstand high temperatures and distribute heat evenly makes it a cherished companion in the creation of vibrant, flavourful dishes. Imagine the aroma of V-Giyan™’s Coconut & Mushroom Curry gently rising from a shimmering stainless steel pot-the mushrooms perfectly seared, the coconut-infused gravy simmering into velvety perfection. Stainless steel’s non-reactive nature ensures that every spice, every bright note of citrus, remains as pure and radiant as intended.

For those who find joy in layering flavours, stainless steel excels in preparing the fragrant tadka that awakens V-Giyan™’s Dals. The sizzle of mustard seeds, the deep golden hue of garlic crisping in oil, the earthy warmth of cumin, each element harmonizing into a symphony of taste. While stainless steel lacks a naturally non-stick surface, a little patience and the loving ritual of preheating and oiling transform it into a seamless, reliable tool in any conscious kitchen.

Cast Iron
There is something undeniably magical about cast iron-a deep, grounding presence that connects us to generations past. Heirloom-like in its essence, cast iron cookware carries a rustic charm and an ability to hold warmth like an embrace. For dishes that call for steady, enduring heat, cast iron is unparalleled. Envision V-Giyan™’s Punjabi Pakoras, their golden, crispy edges perfected in the steady heat of a well-seasoned pan, each bite offering a satisfying crunch and rich depth of flavor.

Beyond frying, cast iron is a vessel of transformation, lending its strength to the creation of breads that emerge with a delightful, smoky char, reminiscent of a traditional tandoor. Cast iron’s legacy extends beyond taste; with every use, it imparts essential iron into food, subtly nurturing the body while feeding the soul. Yet, as with all things worth cherishing, it asks for care, a gentle seasoning, a mindful drying, a promise to preserve its beauty for years to come.

How the Chef's are Moving forward in the Kitchen
Stepping away from non-stick cookware is more than a health decision, it is an act of devotion, an embrace of mindful living. In stainless steel, we find clarity, precision, and resilience. In cast iron, we discover warmth, tradition, and nourishment beyond the plate. Each has its own spirit, its own rhythm, waiting to support and elevate our culinary rituals.

• Stainless steel, with its radiant durability, is ideal for simmering, sautéing, and refining the delicate layers of flavour within a dish.
  
• Cast iron, rich with history and endurance, cradles ingredients in steady warmth, deepening flavours and forging a connection to the past.

As we choose our kitchen utensils, pots and pans with deliberate intention, we honour the sacred act of preparing food, the heart of every home, every gathering, every moment of love shared at the table. Through this Conscious Kitchen shift, we align with V-Giyan™’s unwavering commitment to pure, vibrant, and deeply nourishing Punjabi dishes.

Ready to dive into our conscious friendly menu? Start by exploring our delicious menu and then placing a next day delivery.

For related articles and to be able to comment, please visit out full blog post here.

27% Off The Taster Bundle to celebrate Spring!

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This week's
50% off voucher in the V-Giyan™ Quiz.

Congratulations to this week's Winner:
Mike Smith
with the winning answer of:
Processed Foods,
which was the article linked in Conscious Kitchen Newsletter Last week

All you have to do is email us the answer to the following question by midnight on the 12th March 2025, next week:

Question:
Which Dal is included in the Meat-Free Date-Night Bundle?

a) Yellow Lentil Dal
b) Tarka Dal
c) Dal Makhani