Too much oil in your curry? Try these 5 easy hacks to remove it

As health and fitness continue to be a major focus in our lives, more people are becoming conscious about their eating habits. Limiting oil, sugar, and fat intake has become part of our daily routines, especially for those aiming for a healthier lifestyle. However, Indian cooking often involves generous use of oil, particularly in dishes like curries, stir-fries, and gravies, which can make it difficult to control oil consumption.

If you've accidentally added too much oil to a dish, here are some practical and effective hacks to remove the excess oil and enjoy a lighter, healthier meal:

1. The bowl-in-the-pan hack

This viral method, demonstrated by Instagram user Deepthi Kapoor, is perfect for stir-fries and sabzis:

• First, push the vegetables or ingredients to the sides of the pan to make space in the middle.
• Place a small bowl directly in the centre of the dish while it's cooking.
• Cover the pan with a lid and let it cook for a few minutes.
• When you remove the lid, you’ll notice the excess oil has collected around the bowl. Use a spoon to scoop out the oil, leaving your dish lighter and less greasy.

2. Sprinkle flour or cornstarch
For oily curries or gravies, try sprinkling a small amount of flour or cornstarch over the surface. Let it sit briefly, then skim it off. The flour absorbs the excess oil, helping to reduce the greasiness of the dish.

3. Ice cube trick
If you're dealing with oily soups or stews, drop an ice cube into the pot. The cold ice attracts the oil, causing it to solidify around the cube. Remove the ice with a spoon, and along with it, the extra oil.

4. Refrigerate and skim
Let your curry or gravy cool down, then refrigerate it. The oil will solidify on the surface, making it easy to skim off once the dish is cold.

5. Use bread
Place a slice of bread on top of oily soups, curries, or stews. The bread will soak up the excess oil. After a minute, remove the bread and you’ll have a dish with much less oil.

These tricks are perfect for Indian households, where oil is a key ingredient in many dishes like dal tadka, butter chicken, and vegetable sabzis. By using these simple hacks, you can enjoy your favourite recipes without worrying about the extra oil, making your meals both tasty and healthier.

Give them a try and feel free to indulge without the guilt!