Tadka Pan

A small, heavy pan shaped like a miniature wok, a tadka pan is used to heat a little oil. A choice of whole spices are then thrown into the pan, where they release their amazing aroma. Everything is then folded into the cooked dish to add a final layer of flavour. This technique is known as tadka, and means ‘seasoning’. A steel ladle that can be held over a flame on a gas stove, or a small pan, make ideal substitutes.