If you love spices and want to unlock their full flavor potential - that’s where “tadka” comes in. “Tadka” is the technique in which whole or ground spices are roasted in oil or ghee (clarified butter) in order to release their essential oils, in order to make the flavor more aromatic. Tadkas are perfect to round out your dal, stews, veggies, rice, and more.

Since the Tadka Spoon has a flattened bottom, you can use it on any stove, even induction and especially in the oven! The Tadka Spoon works best on a gas stove but is induction stove compatible, depending on your personal stove.

Heat your spoon over a low flame and add a little bit of fat - either a generous spoonful of ghee, a little bit of oil, or both. This helps the pan heat evenly. Allow the oil to heat up before introducing the spices. The spices need to sizzle as soon as they are added to the oil. When your spices are ready, you want to be quick to turn off the heat and add your freshly finished tadka over your bowl of dal, rice, chutney - the options are truly endless - to capture the spices in their peak flavor!

Tiipoi uses materials that can be recycled easily in one piece, which is why our Tiipoi x Diaspora Co. Tadka Spoon is made completely out of iron sheets and can be used the same way as mini cast iron pan. When it comes to the end of its life, it will be able to be melted and re-used or returned to the earth.

No! It comes pre-seasoned with either coconut or sesame oil. However, you will want to season it occasionally just like a cast iron pan, especially if it shows wear or starts to rust from being left with water. You can season with a neutral oil like flaxseed.

Our Tadka Spoon is really good at retaining heat, so handle carefully! It’s best to avoid touching the bowl of the spoon entirely. Your spoon has an extra long handle to keep your fingers safe and cool. After cooking, do not let food stay in the spoon for too long - it's best to remove any food from the spoon immediately after cooking and before the food cools. Ensure not to leave your Tadka Spoon in your sink overnight!

If your Tadka Spoon starts to rust, don’t fear! This is normal with products that are made from iron. Usually your spoon can begin to show signs of rust if water was left on it after cleaning or if not enough oil used when cooking. If your spoon starts to rust, you treat it similar to a cast iron pan!

1. Gently scrub off any rust with salt and a vegetable scrubber.
2. Then using a paper towel, coat it with a neutral oil, like flaxseed.
3. Pop it in the oven for 1-2 hours at a low temperature.
4. The next time you use the spoon, make sure there is enough oil while you’re cooking and the coat will return to its original glory.
   
   Repeat this process as needed!

To keep your Tadka spoon in really pristine condition, you can care for it, the way you’d any cast iron pan. 

1. The first thing you want to do is wipe down the excess fat from the spoon with a thick paper towel. If you’re doing a quick Tadka or frying an egg, this is all you’d need to do! You do not want to over scrub your Tadka spoon either!
2. But for when your spoon does need more TLC, you have to wash it by hand. The dishwasher is a big no-no! 
3. Never use cold water to clean the spoon - always make sure to use boiling hot water. You can scrub those stubborn food bits by scrubbing with coarse kosher salt and a stiff plastic brush.
4. You want to dry it immediately after washing to get out any excess moisture and prevent rust. You can then wipe it down with a dish towel and put it on low heat to make sure all the water has evaporated.

Care video here!

Our Tadka Spoon is designed specifically for tempering spices in hot oil or ghee before adding them to dals, curries, and vegetables. Made from durable cast iron, it heats evenly and gives you the control you need to bloom whole spices, herbs, and aromatics, bringing out their full aroma and flavor. Think of it as a cast iron tadka spoon made for building big flavor from the very beginning.

A tadka spoon is used to prepare tempering, also known as tadka, by heating oil or ghee with whole spices, herbs, and aromatics. Once they're fragrant and ready, the flavored oil is poured over dals, curries, rice, or vegetables to add another layer of aroma and depth. A good tadka ladle makes this simple technique easy to bring into everyday cooking.

Our Tadka Spoon should be hand washed and dried thoroughly after each use, then lightly seasoned with oil to help maintain its cast iron finish. With regular care, your tadka ladle stays in excellent condition and is ready whenever you want to start building flavor.

A cast iron tadka ladle retains heat well and distributes it evenly, making it ideal for blooming spices without sudden changes in temperature. Its sturdy construction also makes it well suited to repeated use, whether you're tempering mustard seeds, cumin, curry leaves, or other aromatics for traditional Indian cooking.