Mastering the Art of Indian Cooking with Mustard Oil

The moment we say Indian cuisine, only those bold flavors, rich aromas, and a mix of cooking styles that really brings everything to life come to our minds. One ingredient that you’ll notice popping up a lot in Indian kitchens, particularly in the northern and eastern parts, is mustard oil. This oil is a must-have in many homes, and for good reason – it has a unique taste and a bunch of health perks too. If you’re eager to spice up your cooking game and dive into the authentic flavors of Indian dishes, getting the hang of using mustard oil is definitely a good starting point.

In this blog, we’re going to explore why mustard oil is such a big deal in Indian cooking. We’ll talk about how to use mustard oil for cooking and even share some tasty recipes made with cold-pressed mustard oil that you can easily prepare at home.

So, why not grab a pack (or more ) of cold-pressed mustard oil from Gramiyaa and let’s get cooking?

Why cooking with cold pressed mustard oil is loved so much!

Now, let’s talk about why mustard oil is so crucial in Indian cooking. This oil, which comes from the seeds of the mustard plant, is a common sight in kitchens across India, mainly because of its bold flavor and health benefits. It’s got this distinct, pungent taste that can really elevate a whole range of dishes. Sure, you’ll find it mostly used in the North and East of India, but it’s starting to catch on in other areas too. People love it for its versatility and those health-boosting properties. 

Now coming to cold pressed mustard oil – unlike the versions, cold pressed oil has tons of health benefits, and an amazing flavor profile. That’s why people these days are shifting towards cold pressed cooking oils, even for their everyday cooking.

Health benefits of mustard oil:

You know, one of the big reasons people really like using mustard oil in their cooking is because of all the health benefits it brings. It's packed with monounsaturated fats, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants, all of which are fantastic for your heart. Plus, mustard oil has amazing antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. So, not only is it great for cooking, but it can even be used for a nice massage on your skin. However, the key is to use the oil, any oil for that matter, in moderation. 

Now, if we're talking about cold-pressed mustard oil, that's where things get even better. This type keeps a lot more of the oil's nutrients intact because it’s made without heating or chemicals—just a simple mechanical process. So, it's definitely a healthier pick compared to the refined stuff. When you use cold pressed mustard oil for cooking, you're not just getting a richer flavor; you’re also loading your dishes with more nutrients. It’s perfect for those recipes that really need that strong, tasty oil to shine through! 

How to use mustard oil for cooking

Mustard oil is one of the many forms of cooking oil and can be used in many ways. Knowing how to use mustard oil for cooking and the benefits that comes with it will help in the preparation of preparing wonderful dishes using this oil. These are the following ways of utilizing mustard oil:

• Tempering: This requires pouring mustard oil in a pan and heating it until it begins to have smoke. Once tempered, it can be used to season dals, vegetables and curries.

• Sautéing: Mustard oil is quite good to fry vegetables as this is likely to enhance the color and taste of vegetables.

• Frying: This oil is perfect for deep frying as well, as it has a high smoke point which guarantees perfectly fried food.

• Marinades: You can use mustard oil in marinades for meat and fish to give them a distinct taste.

Cold pressed mustard oil recipes to try

Alright, let's dive into some mouth-watering Indian dishes that really shine when cooked with mustard oil:

1. Sarson ka saag: Every Punjabi craves for this as soon as winters knock the doors. This classic winter dish from Punjab is like a warm hug on a chilly day—hearty mustard greens cooked with mustard oil, garlic, and a blend of spices. Just perfect for those cold evenings.
2. Aloo posto: Now, let’s travel to the East! If you’re looking for something from Bengal, this one’s a must-try. It’s all about potatoes and poppy seeds, and when you cook it in mustard oil, wow, it creates such a rich and flavorful mix. Some rice, dal and aloo posto - it can’t go wrong!
3. Baingan ka chokha: Let’s travel to Bihar now! Ever had the experience of eating a smoky eggplant recipe? This dish is made with mustard oil, which just elevates the flavour and gives it that nice, smoky texture. It’s like a party in your mouth!
4. Fish curries: Speaking of flavor, mustard oil is a go-to for fish curries. It brings out the seafood's taste beautifully and adds this amazing aroma that just draws you in. You can almost smell it just thinking about it!
5. Parathas: Last but not least, think about chapati or paratha cooked with a little mustard oil. It gets this unique flavor and aroma that makes it stand out. You really have to try it to believe it!

Tips for using mustard oil

• When you’re starting out with mustard oil, just use a little bit at first and then you can add more to suit your taste.
• Keep that mustard oil out of the sun and away from heat. It really helps to keep its flavour and smell on point. That’s the reason why we offer our cold pressed mustard oil in an opaque packaging, so that the oil is not affected by sunlight, keeping it fresh. 
• Keep the windows open, or the exhaust running, as mustard oil has a very strong aroma. 
• Don’t hesitate to play around with mustard oil in all kinds of dishes. You might just stumble upon some awesome new flavour combos! 
• If you heat mustard oil too much, it can alter the taste.
• After you’ve used it, make sure you give your utensils a good scrub to get rid of any leftover oil.

If you keep these tips in mind and experiment a bit with different recipes, you’ll really get the hang of cooking Indian food with mustard oil. You’ll whip up some tasty and healthy meals in no time! 

So next time you’re in the kitchen, try out some of these cold pressed mustard oil recipes, and bring a little bit of India’s rich culinary tradition to your table! Shop at Gramiyaa, and let the aromatic adventures begin!