[AMM7997]

Hi, I'm new to the forums, and have been reading and reading and reading. So much great info. I'm trying to start building a collection of pots and pans, and am a bit overwhelmed with the options. I thought that I would describe what I cook at home and ask for suggestions. At the moment, I have an Ikea set of pots and pan, a cast aluminum wok, and a glass casserole.

Most of the cooking I do is Indian cooking. I think that I need something that allows for long steady temp simmering but also can brown spices, onions, and garlic evenly. I would also need that pan/pot to be able to go in the oven (for biryani). I also cook various rice pilafs, lentil purees, and beans.

Suggestions? Cast Iron? Do i need a different pan/pot for the rice pilafs and purees? What about using a pressure cooker for the long cooking lentils and beans?

To make this a bit more complicated, it would be great to have pots and pans that my girlfriend can also use for her cooking (she's beginning to explore french cooking).

Budget... well I'm looking to get good quality products for the first time, things that will last a long time instead of cheap sets (see ikea).

I live in Europe, I don't know if that helps or limits my options to different brands or lines....

Thanks