Indian food has gained a lot of admiration over the years all thanks to its wide range of different spices, tastes, and appearances. One of the most important parts of cooking is the oil that is often forgotten by many people. The quality of the oil can have a big impact on the flavor, texture, and health of the food you are preparing. As from the subtle nuttiness of sesame oil to the strong taste of the mustard oil, each sort of oil has its own role in the Indian cuisine. So, the question is: How to choose the right oil to add flavor to your dishes? The answer is simple; start with that of analyzing the most used Indian oils then decide depending on your dietary requirements.
1. Mustard Oil: Bold and Robust
Almost all places in India use mustard oil; it is especially common in the east and is believed to have originated from the north. It carries bitterness that gives food a very delicious and strong aroma flinging a simple dish to the extraordinary. The mustard oil that is majorly used for frying, tempering and even pickling, remains the very first choice since its heat tolerance degree is very high and it has beginning of the day taste. Its synergy with healthiness is through the fact that it contains omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants, which are not bad for you when taken in moderation. However, it was only after mustard oil was consumed that Indians realized it is a perfect flavor complement to curry, especially those that have the combination of different piquant spices.
2. Sesame Oil: Nutty and Aromatic
Sesame oil, or “til oil”, is one of the most favored oils in Indian homes, especially in South India. Its taste of walnuts with a slight hint of butter is a very pleasant surprise to the Indian people and thus, the oil is highly sought after. It’s not common to find a product that produces such results using only natural processes like cold-pressing and centrifugal force extraction. Sesame is among the healthiest oils, being rich in antioxidants and having a high smoke point; thus, it’s just the perfect pick for deep frying. Some quotes from Ayurveda: Sesame oil is one of the staple foods that can balance the doshas and it is also used for various ailments.
3.Coconut Oil: The Tropical Treasure Coconut oil, often on the menu in South Indian and coastal cuisines gives off a tropical aroma that takes us back to the beach. Coconut oil can be found all over the internet. Refined coconut oil doesn’t have a strong smell or taste, because it’s made from dried coconut kernels. On the other hand, its unrefined type has a strong coconut smell and actually tasted coconut in it. It has a fair smoking point (about 350°F) and is excellent for low to medium heat uses such as frying or making sauce. Coconut oil is full of medium chain FAs, or MCFAs, which are easily absorbed by the body, metabolized as fuel, and quickly make for an energy increase. It is also named as a natural cleanser for skin and hair. Coconut oil must nonetheless be used in moderation, as its composition includes a high percentage of saturated fats.
4. Ghee: The Pure Essence
Ghee, or clarified butter, is the favored tool in the Indian kitchens, especially in Ayurvedic practices. Its simplicity says a lot about its utility in cooking. It is commonly used for tempering, deep frying, and also, you can sprinkle it on rice and dal. Once again, the richness of ghee’s unique taste and the delivery of the pulsating vitamins A, D, E, and K together unite the people. Unlike common butter, ghee has a higher smoke point (about 450°F) and contains no milk solids, as a result of which it is easily digestible. The slow-cooked ones are the top-notch for it, whereas their incommensuration can conduce to your digestion and diminish immunity.
5. Sunflower Oil: The Neutral Option
Sunflower oil, being tasteless, is a favorable choice to use for the superficial frying and sautéing. But, how to know what you are eating is actually to stay away from sunflower and soybean oils and eat food products containing them, especially if they are hydrogenated. Sunflower Oil, besides being convenient for cooking, has also been one of the most widely used types all over the world. Sunflower oil, being high in vitamin E and the like good fats, is highly responsible for cardiovascular health and this type of oil is appropriate for you to use every day. Aside from these, there is a well-orchest art of catching a fish by cooking it with sunflower oil and not affecting the dish flavor too much.
What are you gonna pick? Let us know!
Aap Ka Bazar®, a monthly grocery app, website, and chain of stores, has gathered this information, including nutritional values, through online research and writing tools. #yahasabmilega
