If you've found yourself with a pot of curry packing more heat than you bargained for, fear not! Here's a quick fix to tame those fiery flavours and bring your dish back into balance. Discover the art of ingredient pairing to achieve a harmonious balance of flavours and tone down any overpowering notes in your culinary fare. Here are some nifty tricks to tone down the heat in your dishes. When adding spice, remember to exercise caution and add gradually. Feel free to test the limits a little bit; your taste buds will slowly adjust to the heat.
Below are 6 methods to reduce the heat in any curry!
Mend it with milk
Milk has been used for centuries to reduce the spice levels in curries. The protein in milk binds with the capsaicin, the compound responsible for the heat in spices, and neutralises it. This reaction helps to alleviate the burning sensation in the mouth and throat caused by eating spicy foods.
Adding milk to a curry is a simple and effective way to reduce the spice levels. It is best to add the milk towards the end of the cooking process, as boiling it for too long. It can cause it to curdle and spoil the taste. Full-fat milk will be more effective in reducing the spice levels than low-fat milk.
Balance with vegetable
Incorporate a variety of fresh and colourful vegetables into your meals. Not only do they provide essential nutrients and fibre, but they also add a delightful burst of flavour and texture to any dish. One of the most effective techniques to temper the heat in any recipe is to incorporate additional ingredients. Opting for more vegetables is typically the most accessible solution, as they cook faster than other alternatives. Starchy vegetables like sweet potatoes and potatoes are a real game-changer when adding some heft to your dishes.
Neutralise with cream and coconut milk
When adding richness and depth to your dishes, few ingredients can match the luxuriousness of coconut milk or cream. So go ahead and indulge in their velvety goodness! Elevate your dish by incorporating a generous pour of coconut milk.
Coconut and coconut milk, Image Source: Pexels
Alternately, infuse a tablespoon of coconut cream into each serving for those indulging in the exotic taste of Thai curry or any other coconut-based curries. Gently stir through to unlock the full potential of the dish and savour the rich, creamy goodness. Look no further than the versatile coconut milk for those seeking a plant-based alternative to traditional curries. With its distinct tropical essence, this dairy-free option will elevate any dish it graces.
Citrus cure
When it comes to adding a tangy kick to your dishes, there are a few go-to ingredients that every seasoned cook should have in their arsenal. These versatile ingredients can be used in various ways to elevate the essence of your favourite recipes. Whether you want to brighten up a salad dressing or add acidity to a marinade, lemon, lime, and vinegar are excellent options. If your curry has turned spicier than you wanted, elevate your curry game with a touch of acidity or salinity! A spritz of citrus, a drizzle of vinegar, or a pinch of salt can work wonders in harmonising the flavours of your coconut-based or meaty curries, such as this delectable goat curry.
Sour cream or yoghurt
A generous dollop of yoghurt or soured cream can work wonders for those seeking a cooling respite from the fiery heat of Indian-style curries and chillies. However, if you have gone a bit overboard with the spice, fear not! Simply adding a splash of milk to the curry or chilli base can help to tame the flames and restore balance to your dish. Gently simmer the base after incorporating it, taking care not to let it bring to a boil as this may cause it to separate.
Sweet and tart rescue
A hint of sweetness can cut through the over-fieriness of the curry. Two of the most popular choices are sugar and ketchup. While sugar is a classic sweetener that can be used in various dishes, ketchup offers a unique blend of sweetness and tanginess that can elevate any meal. In culinary experimentation, a judicious addition of sugar can work wonders. For instance, the delectable Cape Malay chicken curry boasts a rich tomato base. A dollop of ketchup, artfully incorporated, can elevate this dish to new heights of flavour. Tasting your dish as you proceed with the recipe is imperative, lest you risk an excessively saccharine outcome.