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HOW TO SAVE A DISH THAT'S TOO SPICY: TIPS AND TRICKS

published on 27/07/2024 Have you gone overboard with the chili and now your dish is unbearably spicy? Don't worry, there are ways to fix it! With a few simple tricks, you can reduce the spiciness and make your dish tasty again. It all comes down to chemistry and adding certain foods that help calm the spicy flavor.

Citrus and Vinegar
If the dish allows, try adding the juice of citrus fruits like lemon, orange, or lime. These fruits pair well with many foods, especially meat and fish. Tomato, either fresh in cubes or as a sauce, and a bit of vinegar can also help tone down the spiciness.

Spice-Absorbing Vegetables
Vegetables like carrots and potatoes, thanks to their starchy texture, can absorb some of the spiciness. Peas, squash, and cauliflower can also be useful. If you don't want to alter the recipe too much, serve the dish with a grain or bread: the sugars and starches in these foods help reduce the burning sensation caused by the spice.

Nuts and Seeds
Nuts contain oils that can mitigate spiciness. Add walnuts, slivered almonds, almond butter, or tahini (sesame paste). Peanuts and chili flakes are a classic combination in Thai cuisine, and pumpkin seeds can be used to enhance salads.

Honey and Sugar
Honey and sugar molecules bind with capsaicin, making it less intense. Add a teaspoon of sugar or a drizzle of honey to the dish, starting with small amounts and tasting as you go. A teaspoon of granulated sugar is particularly useful for taming a too-spicy tomato sauce, while honey pairs well with meat, citrus, spices, and fresh herbs.

Dairy Products
Capsaicin is soluble in fats, which effectively reduce spiciness. Casein, a protein found in milk and cheese, protects our receptors from the effects of capsaicin. Yogurt, cream, milk, butter, and cheese can be very helpful. Yogurt and cream can be added to soups or purees, while grated cheese can save a plate of spaghetti with garlic, oil, and too much chili. You can also prepare quick yogurt-based dips or cheddar creams. The combination of cheese and spiciness is a staple in Indian (have you ever tried mango lassi with vindaloo chicken?), Greek, and Middle Eastern cuisines.