10 traditional utensils that are an essential part of South Indian kitchen

While modern technology may have introduced several new elements in the kitchen, there are certain utensils that still stand relevant not just due to their efficiency but also on account of the health benefits some of them provide. Have a look at some popular traditional kitchen utensils commonly used in the South Indian states. (Image: istock)

Made by local artisans in Kerala, Uruli is a round vessel, which is a mix of handi and a kadhai. It is made with food grade bronze and is mostly used for making traditional food items. (Image: istock)

Also Read: 4 foods you must avoid cooking in an iron pan or kadhai

Used for making Murukku and Idiyappam, this small, smart, and handy utensil has several small jalis and is used to press the batter that takes the shape of the jali. The batter is then deep-fried or steamed. (Image: istock)

It is a cast iron pan with small round depressions used for making appe. Appe can be made both sweet and savory. (Image: istock)

Idli is an important part of South Indian cuisine and an idli maker is something that every family has. Now available in stainless steel, the idli maker has multiple compartments and is used to steam idlis. (Image: istock)

Also Read: Harmful metals you must avoid for cooking food

Ammikallu is a flat, rectangular-shaped stone slab with a cylindrical stone pestle, used for grinding spices and dals. It is known as sil batta in other parts of the country. (Image: istock)

Made with natural clay, this pot or handi is traditionally used for making fish curries and other non-veg food. The pot can retain moisture so the cook can be cooked almost without water and also very little oil is required when food is cooked in this pot. (Image: istock)

Kalchatti is a soapstone pot and has multiple uses in the South Indian kitchen. It is made of natural stone and hence can retain heat for long. Mostly used for cooking dals and sambhar, it was an inalienable part of the traditional kitchen as food remained warm for long due to its thick walls and was also said to retain nutrition. Due to its heavy weight, it is no longer so common. (Image: istock)

To prepare traditional South Indian coffee, this drip-style coffee filter made of brass was used in most homes. Now replaced with stainless steel, it is still used to make coffee in South Indian homes. It contains a lid, top filter compartment, and bottom container. (Image: istock)

For making traditional curries like sambar and rasam, a brass mixing/ serving spoon is used. It is said to positively ionize food, while doing its job of mixing the ingredients. It is also used as a serving ladle. (Image: istock)

For scrumptious recipes, videos and exciting food news, subscribe to our free Daily and Weekly Newsletters.

Soap stone has been traditionally used in making several South Indian utensils. The soapstone dosa tawa was used traditionally as it was heavy and distributed heat evenly, which prevented burning of dosa and enabled quick cooking. (Image: istock)

For scrumptious recipes, videos and exciting food news, subscribe to our free Daily and Weekly Newsletters.