Spatulas are versatile kitchen tools used for various tasks such as flipping, scraping, spreading, and more. They come in different shapes, sizes, and materials, each serving a specific purpose in the kitchen. In today’s blog, we’ll look at everything you need to know about the royal kitchen tool - spatula.
What is a Spatula?
A spatula is a versatile kitchen utensil with a broad, flat and mostly flexible blade. The most common uses of spatula are mixing, spreading, lifting & flipping.
Turner Spatula
Turner spatulas, also known as flipper spatulas, are designed for flipping or turning food items like pancakes, eggs, and burgers. They typically have a thin, flat blade with a beveled edge to easily slide under food.
Types of turner spatulas include:
- Standard turner spatula
- Slotted turner spatula
- Offset turner spatula
Scraper Spatula
Scraper spatulas, as the name suggests, are ideal for scraping bowls, pots & pans to ensure no food goes to waste. They have a flexible, curved blade that conforms to the shape of containers.
Types of scraper spatulas include:
- Silicone scraper spatula
- Rubber scraper spatula
- Bowl scraper spatula
Spreading Spatula
Spreading spatulas, also known as frosting spatulas or icing spatulas, are used for spreading different frosting, batter, or other toppings evenly. They have a long, flat blade with a straight or offset handle for better control.
Types of spreading spatulas include:
- Straight spreading spatula
- Offset spreading spatula
- Angled spreading spatula
Also Read: Different Uses of Spatula
How to Clean a Spatula?
Cleaning a spatula may seem like a straightforward task, but ensuring it's thoroughly clean is essential for maintaining hygiene in the kitchen and prolonging the lifespan of your utensil. Here's a detailed explanation of how to clean a spatula effectively:
Before starting the cleaning process, gather all the necessary items, including warm water, dish soap, a sponge or scrub brush, and a clean towel or dishcloth.
1. Wash with Warm, Soapy Water
Begin by rinsing the spatula under warm water to remove any loose food particles or residue. Then, apply a small amount of dish soap to the spatula's blade and handle.
Example: Let's say you've used your spatula to flip pancakes. After cooking, there may be leftover batter or oil residue on the blade and handle. Washing with warm, soapy water helps break down and remove these residues effectively.
2. Scrub the Spatula Gently
If there are stubborn stains or dried-on food particles, use a sponge or scrub brush to gently scrub the spatula's surface. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or scouring pads, as they can damage the spatula's finish.
Example: Suppose you've used your spatula to flip sticky caramelized onions. A gentle scrubbing with a sponge or brush helps loosen and remove the caramelized bits without scratching the spatula's surface.
3. Pay Attention to the Blade Edges
Pay special attention to the edges of the spatula blade, as food particles tend to get trapped there. Use your fingers or a soft cloth to wipe along the edges and ensure they're clean.
Example: After flipping a delicate omelette, you may notice bits of egg clinging to the edges of the spatula blade. Wiping along the edges with a soft cloth ensures thorough cleaning.
4. Rinse the Spatula thoroughly
Once you've scrubbed the spatula, rinse it thoroughly under running water to remove any soap residue.
Example: After washing, it's essential to rinse off all the soap to prevent any lingering residue from transferring onto your next batch of food.
5. Dry Completely
After washing and rinsing, pat the spatula dry with a clean towel or dishcloth. Avoid air-drying wooden-handled spatulas, as prolonged exposure to moisture can cause them to warp or crack.
Example: If you've washed your silicone spatula, ensure it's completely dry before storing it away. Moisture trapped in the handle or crevices can lead to mold or mildew growth over time.
In Indian cuisine, spatulas hold immense importance and are known by various names across different regions.
Indian Name of Spatulas
In India, spatulas are often referred to as "karchi" or "palta" in Hindi, "thiratti" in Tamil, "karandi" in Malayalam, "kichili" in Kannada, and "chapati kallu" in Telugu.
Different ways a spatula is used in the Indian Kitchen
1. Flipping Dosas and Chapatis
One of the most common uses of spatulas in Indian kitchens is for flipping dosas and chapatis. A flat, thin spatula with a slightly curved edge is essential for flipping these delicate Indian flatbreads without tearing them.
Example: When making dosas on a griddle, a spatula is used to gently lift and flip the thin, crispy pancakes to ensure even cooking on both sides.
2. Stirring Curries and Vegetables
Spatulas with broad blades are ideal for stirring curries, gravies, and sabzis. They help evenly distribute spices and ingredients while preventing them from sticking to the bottom of the pot or pan.
Example: While cooking a rich and creamy paneer butter masala, a spatula is used to stir the sauce gently, ensuring all the flavors blend harmoniously.
3. Frying Fritters
Spatulas are indispensable for frying pakoras, bhajis, and other Indian snacks. They're used to carefully lower the batter-coated ingredients into the hot oil and flip them for even frying.
Example: When frying onion bhajis, a spatula is used to gently turn the fritters to ensure they cook evenly and develop a golden-brown crust.
4. Mixing and Folding Batters
Spatulas are essential for mixing and folding batters for various Indian sweets and snacks. Their flexible blades make it easy to incorporate ingredients without overmixing.
Example: When making besan ladoos, a spatula is used to mix together the roasted gram flour, ghee, and sugar until they form a cohesive mixture that can be shaped into balls.
5. Serving Dishes
Spatulas are also used for serving dishes, especially when portioning out rice, curry, or desserts onto plates or serving bowls.
Example: A spatula is used to carefully transfer servings of biryani from the pot to individual plates, ensuring each serving is presented neatly.
In Indian households and professional kitchens alike, spatulas are indispensable tools that facilitate a wide range of cooking and serving tasks. Now, let’s look at the broad categories of spatulas you can use.
With this comprehensive spatula buying guide, you can confidently choose the right spatula for your kitchen needs and enjoy hassle-free cooking and baking experiences. At thinKitchen, you can choose from a wide range of spatulas from top brands around the globe.
