Cooking in an electric kettle might seem unconventional, but it's a game-changer, especially for students, busy professionals, or anyone living in a hostel or a small apartment. While an electric kettle is primarily designed for boiling water, it can be surprisingly versatile, enabling you to cook a variety of Indian dishes.
The key is to understand how to make the most of your kettle while ensuring safety and efficiency. Here's a look at some delicious Indian foods that can be easily prepared in an electric kettle.
1. Masala Chai (Spiced Tea)
Masala chai is a quintessential Indian beverage that you can easily prepare in your electric kettle. Start by boiling water in the kettle. Once the water is hot, add tea leaves, sugar, and spices like crushed ginger, cardamom, and cloves.
Let the mixture steep for a few minutes, then add milk. Boil the concoction again and strain it into your cup. Your warm and aromatic masala chai is ready to be enjoyed!
The Super Cool Touch Protection on your kettle ensures that the exterior remains cool even when the contents are boiling, making it safe to handle while preparing your tea.
2. Instant Noodles
Many people's go-to meal is instant noodles, which can be effortlessly cooked in an electric multi-purpose kettle. Begin by adding water to the kettle and letting it boil. Once boiling, add the noodles and the flavouring packet.
If you prefer a more wholesome meal, throw in some chopped vegetables like carrots, peas, or capsicum. Let everything cook until the noodles are soft and the water is absorbed. Stir and serve hot!
With Triple Level Protection, including a steam sensor and dry boiling prevention, your multi-purpose electric kettle ensures that you can cook noodles without worrying about the water evaporating too quickly or the appliance overheating.
3. Boiled Eggs
Boiled eggs are an excellent source of protein and make for a quick snack or breakfast option. Simply fill your electric kettle with enough water to cover the eggs and turn it on. For hard-boiled eggs, let them cook for about 8-10 minutes; for soft-boiled eggs, 5-6 minutes will suffice. Once done, place the eggs in cold water to cool before peeling. Enjoy them plain or with a sprinkle of salt and pepper.
The kettle's powerful 1500-watt heating element allows it to boil water quickly, making it possible to cook several eggs at once for 5-6 people, perfect for sharing with friends or roommates.
4. Vegetable Maggi
Maggi noodles hold a special place in the hearts of many Indians. To make a more nutritious version:
- Start by boiling water in the kettle.
- Add chopped vegetables like onions, tomatoes, carrots, and peas to the boiling water.
- Once the vegetables are partially cooked, add the Maggi noodles and the accompanying masala.
- Let it cook until the noodles are soft and the water has reduced to a saucy consistency.
Your vegetable Maggi is ready to be savoured!
Using a kettle made from SS 304 material with anti-rust properties ensures that it remains durable even when frequently used for cooking, including dishes that involve vegetables and spices.
5. Rice
Yes, you can cook rice in an electric kettle! Rinse the rice thoroughly and add it to the kettle with an appropriate amount of water (usually a 1:2 rice-to-water ratio). Turn on the kettle and let the water come to a boil. Once boiling, allow the rice to simmer until it absorbs all the water and becomes tender. Fluff it up with a fork, and your steamed rice is ready to be served with a curry or dal.
A kettle with a high-end thermostat is essential for maintaining consistent heat, which is crucial when cooking rice to avoid uneven cooking or burning.
6. Tomato Soup
On a chilly day, nothing beats a bowl of warm tomato soup. To prepare it:
- Pour a packet of instant tomato soup mix into your kettle and add the required amount of water.
- Stir to dissolve the mix, then turn on the kettle and let the soup simmer until it's hot.
- Pour it into a bowl, garnish with some croutons or herbs, and enjoy!
The kettle's Pirouette base with 360-degree agility makes it easy to pour the soup without spilling, ensuring a mess-free experience.
7. Poha (Flattened Rice)
Poha is a popular Indian breakfast dish that is light yet filling. Start by rinsing poha in cold water and setting it aside. Heat some oil in your electric kettle. Add mustard seeds, curry leaves, chopped onions, and green chillies, and sauté until the onions become translucent. Add the rinsed poha, turmeric, and salt, and mix well. Let it steam for a few minutes, then garnish with coriander leaves and roasted peanuts before serving.
The triple-level protection feature, including overheating prevention, ensures that your kettle remains safe to use, even when preparing oil-based recipes like poha.
8. Khichdi
Khichdi is a wholesome and comforting meal that's easy to prepare in an electric kettle. Rinse rice and lentils (dal) and add them to the kettle with water, turmeric, and salt. Optionally, add some chopped vegetables like carrots or peas. Turn on the kettle and cook until the water is absorbed and the rice and lentils are soft. Serve hot with a dollop of ghee.
The SS 304 material ensures that the kettle remains rust-free and durable, even when cooking starchy foods like khichdi.
Final Thoughts
An electric kettle can be a surprisingly versatile tool in your kitchen, especially when you're short on space or time. Whether you're making a quick cup of masala chai, cooking a bowl of Maggi, or preparing a hearty meal like khichdi, your electric kettle can handle it all with ease.
When selecting a kettle for cooking, consider features like Super Cool Touch Protection, which ensures the exterior remains cool during use, and Triple Level Protection for safe and worry-free cooking. The durability offered by an SS 304 material kettle and a powerful heating element that can boil water for 5-6 people at a time makes it an ideal choice for those looking to explore their culinary creativity without a full kitchen.
The cost of electric kettles is competitive. So go ahead, experiment with these recipes, and make the most of your electric kettle!