No occasion in an Indian household can go without a generous serving of deep-fried goodies. From samosas to vadas and bread pakoras, most of our favourite snacks are deep-fried to perfection. Although it wouldn’t probably be wrong to say that we indulge in them almost all year round, the winter season is undoubtedly the perfect time to savour these delicacies with a cup of hot beverages on the side.
That said, one should also be careful about over-indulging in them as too much may take a toll on our gut health. Although most of us are aware of this fact, we are often clueless about the ways to get rid of it. Do you know that we miss the chance to get rid of it every day and the process just takes about five minutes? The leftovers that sit at the bottom of your oil pan after you are done frying are responsible for increasing trans fat (or trans-unsaturated fatty acids), rancidity of oil and numerous other health problems. So, to help you clean oil after frying, here are some tips and tricks you need to remember.
1. Strain The Oil After Using
To remove the burnt or fried bits from the oil, strain it with a mesh after using. You can also use a mesh sieve, paper towels or muslin cloth to strain the oil. These leftover particles are also what lead to the burnt smell when you reuse the oil, so it’s better to get rid of them as soon as possible.
2. Use Lemons
One of the tried and tested methods, the lemon hack is what many homes trust the most. Cut the lemon into small chunks and put them in hot oil. The leftover bits will stick to the lemon pieces and you can remove them from the oil before using.
3. Mix The Oil With Corn Starch
For a cup of frying oil, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch in 1/4th cup of water and add this mixture to either warm or cold oil. Heat the oil but make sure not to bring it to a boil, stir it continuously and wait for the cornstarch mixture to solidify. Remove the solid mass from the oil and reuse it.