Cooking With Charcoal: Here’s Everything To Know

By Jhuisha Lunia

One of the oldest techniques in Indian cooking is using coal or charcoal to give dishes a smoked finish. Here’s what you need to know.

It can be used to mimic the effect and flavours of a tandoor in any dish.

The burning coal imparts a smell and flavour to your dish similar to cooking on an open flame.

It can be used to achieve a caramelised finish similar to using a blow torch in a modern kitchen

What you’ll need: A piece of coal A small bowl Ghee A dish to smoke Method: Heat the coal on an open flame till it’s lit. Place it in a small metal bowl in the centre of your dish. Pour ghee over the coal to encourage smoke. Cover with a lid and smoke for 5-10 minutes.