By Krati Purwar
January 19, 2025
Indian cooking without oil seems impossible. However, you can pick healthy options that natives have been using for centuries. Letting go of refined oil might seem like a task but not with alternatives like peanut oil, coconut oil, and ghee.
Nothing beats the power of desi ghee. Prepared using the cream extracted from cow or buffalo milk, it is good for the digestive system and has ample health benefits.
Peanut oil has a high smoking point, hence, it is perfect for cooking ingredients that require deep drying. It also adds a nutty flavour to the dish.
Olive oil has monounsaturated fatty acids. It is perfect for low-heat cooking. You can make your everyday sabzi in it and benefit from the nutrients in the oil.
Indians love their mustard oil. It is widely used to prepare dishes like litti chokha. Not only does it impart a distinct aroma and flavour, but it also benefits your health.
In South India, coconut oil is widely used to prepare curries, cook meat, and make other kinds of staples. It can help to raise good cholesterol levels.
The nutty and toastie flavour of sesame oil makes it an ideal choice for cooking dishes like kebabs and stuffed parathas. It has fatty acids and can be added to salad dressings.