Different Fats Used For Cooking in Indian Cuisine 

By Deepali Verma 

July 13, 2024

Fats play a crucial role in Indian cooking, adding flavour and nutrition. Here are six common fats used in Indian kitchens. 

Ghee

Clarified butter with a rich, nutty flavour, ideal for frying, sautéing, and making sweets. It’s rich in vitamins A, D, E, and K.

Mustard Oil

Popular in North and East India, mustard oil has a pungent taste and is used for pickling, frying, and making curries.

Coconut Oil

Widely used in South Indian cooking, coconut oil adds a distinct aroma and flavour to dishes, and is excellent for sautéing and deep-frying.

Groundnut Oil

Also known as peanut oil, it is versatile and used for frying and cooking due to its high smoke point and mild flavour.

Sesame Oil

Common in Tamil and Telugu cuisines, sesame oil adds a rich, nutty taste and is used in cooking and for seasoning.

Sunflower Oil

Light and neutral in flavour, sunflower oil is often used for everyday cooking and deep frying due to its high smoke point.