Oil is one of the most essential ingredients in cooking, especially in Indian cuisine. From curries and gravies to snacks and sweets, it helps add flavor to all of them. Without oil, it might feel like the recipe is missing something, right? However, as much as we love adding oil to our food, we must not forget that eating too much oil can lead to weight gain and other health problems. If you’re trying to follow a healthy diet, you may want to reduce oil in your cooking. Now, most of us think that not adding oil means losing the rich taste. This can make it challenging to leave the oil. But what if we told you that you can achieve this without sacrificing taste? Yes, it is possible! Below, we’ll share five secrets to delicious, healthy cooking that you’ll want to know in no time.
Also read: 5 unique ways vinegar is used beyond cooking
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Here are 5 ways to reduce oil in cooking without losing taste:
1. Invest in non-stick cookware
The type of cookware you use to cook food makes a big difference. When using stainless steel or cast iron, you may find that you need more oil. On the other hand, utensils with non-stick coating make cooking easier, allowing you to naturally use less oil. Don’t worry – your food will taste just as good! So, make sure to invest in essential non-stick cookware like pans and utensils.
2. Use water
Did you know that you can use water instead of oil? Yes that’s right! This method works perfectly when cooking on a gas stove. Simply add some water to the pan and let it boil. Once it starts bubbling, add the rest of your ingredients. This technology prevents food from sticking to the pan and ensures that you get the most out of your food.
3. Bake, pan-fry, or air-fry
If your recipe calls for frying ingredients, consider baking, pan-frying, or air-frying them instead. This helps in reducing the amount of oil significantly. For example, if you want to make bread rolls, which are traditionally deep fried, try baking them next time. They will be just as crunchy, tasty and delicious.
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4. Use an oil spray
Can’t completely eliminate oil from your recipe? No worries! Make a DIY oil spray. All you need to do is pour the oil into a spray bottle and spray it on the pan before using. This way, you’ll still enjoy the rich flavor of the oil but with significantly fewer calories. This trick works like a charm every time – be sure to try it!
5. Be generous with spices/fats
Another trick to reduce oil without compromising on taste is to use plenty of spices and healthy fats. For example, if you want to reduce the amount of oil in your chicken curry, make sure to compensate for it with spices. On the other hand, if you are making korma, add plenty of dry fruits.
Also read: Ghee or coconut oil: Which is a healthier option for cooking?
So, the next time you’re cooking, keep these handy tips in mind! Happy cooking!
