7 Must-Try Indian Dishes Using Cold-Pressed Mustard Oil

If you are like me, then you spend a lot of time browsing through recipes and watching all those food videos and many times, you come across these recipes that require a neutral oil. What that means is that you need to use an oil that does not have a very strong smell or taste. 

On the other hand, there are some recipes that need a strong oil that will lend it flavour and if you are in the market for such an oil, might we suggest cold pressed mustard oil!

When it comes to Indian cooking, mustard oil is more than just a cooking medium; it’s a tradition, a flavour enhancer, and an essential ingredient that brings authenticity to countless dishes. The pungent aroma and robust flavour of mustard oil make it a beloved choice for home chefs and food lovers alike.

7 recipes using mustard oil that you must try! 

Now, if you are a newbie to using cold pressed mustard oil for cooking, then here are some easy ways to get started – these are some recipes that you can try that either need mustard oil or just get better with a dash of this aromatic addition! 

1. Bhindi masala – There are very few Indian households, where bhindi is not seen; this is one of those vegetables that almost everyone likes and bhindi masala or bhindi fry are the most common recipes. If you make bhindi on the regular at your home too, try changing your regular oil out with the Gramiyaa mustard oil. The oil’s pungency complements the mild sweetness of the okra, while the spices, that can include cumin, turmeric, coriander and amchur, add layers of complexity. 

2. Baingan ka bharta – There are generally some really strong opinions when it comes to brinjals; you either love it or you don’t! But baingan ka bharta is generally one dish that a lot of people enjoy. The next time you are roasting your brinjals for bharta, try this – sauté your onions, tomatoes, ginger-garlic and green chillies in some cold pressed mustard oil and watch how the oil’s robust flavour adds depth to the dish, making it an absolute crowd-pleaser. The smoky brinjal pairs perfectly with the potent flavour of the mustard oil and gives you a truly satisfying pairing for rotis and parathas. 

3. Kadhi pakora – Ask any north Indian and chances are that they will tell you their comfort food has to be kadhi chawal. Kadhi is considered one of the easiest dishes to make; the recipe that moms whip up when there are no veggies at home or they are just too tired to do much. The tangy yogurt-based curry can be consumed as is, but there is something decadent about it, when pakoras are added, and you can add a touch of extra flavour by frying the pakoras in mustard oil as opposed to your regular oil. 

4. Sarson ka saag – Come winters and every home in Punjab will get ready to make the downright delicious sarson ka saag and makki ki roti. Now, when you are cooking mustard leaves, it is only appropriate that you use mustard oil too! And in case you don’t want to cook the saag in oil and want to stick to the traditional ghee, you can temper your saag with mustard oil, garlic, and dried red chilies for that extra zing.

5. Aloo posto - This Bengali classic celebrates simplicity and flavour; this a simple dish of potatoes, cooked in a poppy seed paste with a drizzle of mustard oil that lends it its distinctive taste. The sharpness of the mustard oil balances the subtle nutty flavours of the poppy seeds, creating a dish that’s light yet packed with flavour.

6. Pakhala bhata – In recent times, there has been a lot of conversation about fermented foods and how they are good for your gut. In that series, we bring to you this traditional dish from Odisha, which is a fermented rice dish served with accompaniments like fried vegetables or fish. Mustard oil is used in tempering and often drizzled over the rice to add an aromatic and tangy punch. The oil’s sharpness balances the mild sourness of the fermented rice, making it a refreshing and unique dish.

7. Macher jhol – The traditional fish curry from Bengal would be considered incomplete without mustard oil. The base of onions, tomatoes, ginger and garlic combined with aromatic spices, pairs beautifully with the richness of mustard oil, in which it is always cooked. It’s a dish that’s light, flavourful, and perfect for seafood lovers.

In case you spent that split second wondering why you should consider cooking recipes using mustard oil, here is why – mustard oil has a flavour unlike any other oil. And when you choose the best mustard oil for cooking in India, which you know where to find (wink wink), you can be sure that you will have a culinary experienced like none other!