A rolling pin is a cylindrical tool that is used in the Indian kitchen to flatten the dough to make pooris, chapattis, parathas, cookies etc. The rolling pin is mostly designed like a long cylindrical rod made of many materials with small handles on both the sides to hold it firmly while flattening the dough. Another type of commonly used rolling pin is the one that comes in a shape of tapered baton. They are used in the preparation of foods for baking as well.
History
The history of rolling pin dates back to the time where it was commonly used by Etruscans. These people were said to have migrated from Asia Minor to Italy and formed a group of city states called Etruria. These people were popular for gourmet cooking and inventive foods. One of the commonly used tools used by them was the rolling pin. They used the tool to flatten the pasta, to make breads including tortillas. During that time, the rolling pin was made from hardwood for sturdiness and hardness.
Types
Rod: The most commonly used rolling pin is made like a rod, which has a thickness of 2-3 cm. These are either tapered from both ends or have handles that look more prominent for better handling.
Uses: Rod style rolling pins are used to roll out pie shells, to make thin rotis, or breads, and to make jiaozi skins. These rolling pins are commonly used in Turkey, France, and East Asia.
Roller: The textured rolling pin is thicker or bigger when compared to rod style rolling pin. The thickness is around 7 to 10 cm with thinner handles on both the sides.
Uses: These kinds of rolling pins are commonly used in the western part of the world.
Textured: Textured rolling pin has some indentations and marks on it along with thin handles on both the ends.
Uses: The textured rolling pin is commonly used in the western part of the world to make crisp breads, pancakes, and special breads.
Materials
Wood: Wooden rolling pin is popularly used all across the world due to its sturdiness, hardness and weight. It’s weight flattens the dough easily and effortlessly. Pine’s wood was commonly used to make the wooden rolling pin during 19th century. Some of the other wood sources are maple and cherry woods.
Ceramic: The ceramic rolling pins are made of porcelain and painted in beautiful colors to add charm to the kitchen tools. They come in a variety of colors, designs and patters.
Marble: The rolling pins are heavy in weight and are used against the marble slab or marble rolling board. They make rolling more effective and easier due to their heavy weight. They are best used to make thin sheets of dough.
Stainless Steel: Stainless steel rolling pin is made of steel and is durable, hard and heavy. They are used to keep the dough cool and do not even stick to it.
Buying tips for Rolling Pin
While buying a rolling pin, following tips must be kept in mind
Popular Brands of Rolling Pins