By Aditi Saraswat
August 17, 2026
That small box of baking soda can do much more than just make the cake rise. From making fried foods a bit more crispy to softening tough ingredients, these simple kitchen uses of baking soda make everyday cooking more effortless.
Add a small pinch of baking soda to the batter for pakoras or the fried vegetables. It makes a lighter, crispier coating when fried.
While pressure cooking chickpeas, add a tiny amount of baking soda. It helps soften their skins, making them easier to cook and more tender.
If the tomato-based curry or sauce tastes a bit too sharp, add a small pinch of baking soda to it and mix well. The taste will feel perfectly balanced.
While cooking onions, adding a tiny pinch of baking soda can speed up their browning by changing their acidity.
A small amount of baking soda in the cooking water can help soften vegetables like peas and beans.