To clean Copper Pots
To clean copper pots, sprinkle a little salt, rub with the cut side of a halved lemon and rinse with water.
How to take way the smell from pots after cooking fish in that
Fish smell tends to linger on the pots and pans long after the cooking. Brew some tea (for ten to fifteen minutes) in the pot/pan in which fish has been cooked. Discard tea leaves and water. Fish smell will disappear.
To clean Used Milk Glasses
Used milk glasses should be rinsed with cold water instead of hot water before washing, as hot water cooks the milk and makes them harder to clean.
To Super Clean the Utensils
1. For cleaning vessels add a handful of common salt to the washing powder for better results.
2. Soak burnt pans in a solution of ammonia and water, for an hour. Clean with used lemon and then with soap and water. They will sparkle again.
3. To remove tea or coffee stains from pots or cups, rub the stained area with a little salt and rinse afterwards.
4. To cut grease and odour on dishes, add a tablespoon of vinegar to hot soapy water.
To remove unpleasant odours from the oven
To remove unpleasant odours from the oven, place a wide pan with warm water to which used tealeaves have been added and leave it to stand in the oven for some time. Even a bowl of warm water with vinegar or lemon juice does the trick.
To clean Aluminium Pans
You can clean darkened aluminum pans easily by pouring in two teaspoons cream of tartar mixed in some of water. Place on heat and boil for 10 minutes.
To unclog drain
To unclog a drain, mix a cup of salt with a cup of baking soda. Pour these into the drain, and then add a pot of boiling water.
To remove egg mess
If you drop an egg on the floor, cover it with salt an let it remain like this for a couple of minutes. You will be able to easily clean the mess with a paper towel.
Not to turn the Vessel Black
Adding a spoonful of curd to ladyfingers while cooking will ensure that they do not stick to the vessel or turn black.
Avoid grease when cooking Chicken
Sprinkle a bit of salt in the frying pan before adding chicken. It will cut down on the amount of grease splattering.
To prevent Foods from sticking
Vinegar brought to a boil in a new frying pan will prevent foods from sticking.
Colouring your coconut Burfi
Adding a cupful of grated carrot or beetroot to the coconut while making coconut burfi will give you natural colouring and nutritional benefits.
To make Fluffy Idli’s
While grinding the batter for idlis replace 1/5 quantity of rice with pressed rice (poha). This will make the idlis fluffier.
Variation in Cutlets
Use crushed vermicelli to coat your cutlets for a change. The cutlets will have a nest-like appearance.
Coconut Fat
Coconut milk when kept overnight in the fridge forms a white layer on top. This layer can be used as fat instead of oil for frying mutton or chicken.
How to cook dhal
A pinch of turmeric powder and a teaspoon full of ghee added to dal before pressure-cooking it will give it a better flavor.
To fry onions faster
Onions will brown faster if half a teaspoon of salt is added to the onions while frying.
Pakoda frying tips
Add a pinch of salt to the oil while frying “pakodas” or “koftas” and you will use up less oil.
To make fluffy omlet
To make a soft fluffy omelet heat a non-stick pan and add a little more butter than usual. Now beat the egg and stir briskly (even while frying) with a fork. This way more air goes in your omelet, making it light and fluffy. Cook till done and serve hot.
To Boil Potatoes faster
Peel and cut potatoes and boil them in water to which a little vinegar is added. They will be done in no time and will retain the texture as well.
How to make unsoaked channa/ sundal ready for cooking
If you have forgotten to soak pulses like chana overnight, just put the chana in a flask full of boiling water for an hour. They are ready for cooking.
How to cook dhal
Add a little oil and turmeric powder to the dal before placing it in the cooker. It will get done in ten minutes flat.
How to fry Ladies finger / Okra / Vendaikai
While cooking ladyfingers (okra) add a few drops of lemon juice or a spoonful of yogurt to avoid becoming sticky.
How to preserve the color of Cauliflower and Cabbage
To preserve the white colour in cauliflower and cabbage, add a teaspoon of milk or milk powder while cooking.
How to boil potatoes for Cutlet
When boiling potatoes for cutlets add the salt to the water itself as potatoes absorb salt better this way.
How to reduce fat in chicken
To reduce fat in the chicken by about 10 grams per serving, remove the skin before marinating it.