How to make a curry less spicy (2024)

FAQs

How to make a curry less spicy? ›

Yogurt or sour cream can cool down the curry. Adding a pinch of sugar or ketchup can counteract the spiciness. Starchy foods like potatoes or rice can absorb heat. Acidic ingredients like lemon juice, lime juice, or vinegar can cut through the spiciness.

Yogurt or sour cream can cool down the curry. Adding a pinch of sugar or ketchup can counteract the spiciness. Starchy foods like potatoes or rice can absorb heat. Acidic ingredients like lemon juice, lime juice, or vinegar can cut through the spiciness.

A curry that is too hot to handle can be defused by the addition of a little dairy. A tablespoon of yoghurt, a dollop of cream or even a sprinkle of cheese does wonders to cool the hot spices in the dish. Top Tip: Add the dairy when serving but don't add it while cooking on the stove.

Peanut, almond, or cashew butter are all rich in fat and can help dissolve capsaicin and mitigate some of the heat from chiles. If you're hesitant to add fat, you can also dilute the heat of a curry or stew by adding more water.

Remember how we said capsaicin is an alkaline molecule? Balancing it with an acid can help neutralize the molecule's activity. This means drinking or eating something acidic — such as lemonade, limeade, orange juice or a tomato-based food item or drink — may also help cool your mouth down.

Citrus-scented cleaners and deodorizers work well to neutralize curry odor, as the acidity present in lemon counteracts the vaporized cooking oils. So, when you can, reach for citrus-based cleaners and lemon essential oil to improve results.

Add a tin of coconut milk or cream, or plain yogurt or sour cream, stir it well and taste. You can also add it just a little at a time, before mixing and tasting. I tend to add lots, because my kids don't like a very spicy curry, so it can never be too mild.

Dairy products containing casein, such as milk, yogurt, and ice cream, are particularly effective in calming the burn. Thanks to their ability to attract and wash away capsaicin molecules.

Tomato based curries can benefit from a little sugar to take away the acidity and a pinch of salt can also balance the dish. If you accidentally go a little overboard with the seasoning, a twist of lemon juice will neutralise the excess.

When to add coconut milk to curry? ›

Once the spices and veg have cooked, add in the coconut milk and a couple cups of chicken stock. Turn the heat up so it comes to a boil and then lower to about medium heat and cook for 10-15 minutes. Just until it starts to thicken! I normally do 10 minutes, but if you like a really thick sauce, take it longer.

Starchy foods like rice, bread, and potatoes can help dilute the spiciness of curry. Add in a small ball of bread or potatoes, this can also help in reducing the fiery taste of the curries. Tomatoes can add a bit of sweetness and acidity that can help balance the spiciness of curry.

Enjoy every bite by pairing your spicy dish with a refreshing glass of milk. Milk helps your mouth handle an oily chemical compound in chili peppers called capsaicin that causes the well-known burning sensation from consuming spicy foods. This relief is thanks to casein, a protein found in cow's milk.

Start by adding very small amounts, stir well and taste constantly before deciding to add more. Adding a splash of something acidic such as vinegar, lemon juice or even wine to an over-salted dish can help to correct your meal and give it an extra tasty tang.

Adding sweetness to your burnt curry can help balance out the burnt flavour. Add sugar, honey, or even some fruits like mangoes or pineapples to your curry. This will not only help mask the burnt flavor but also add a new depth of flavour to your dish.