Cooking brings pleasure to many, but sometimes minor difficulties can spoil the mood. It is particularly unpleasant when a dish starts sticking to the bottom of the pan. This can happen, for example, when onions or spices burn, or when the vegetable itself starts to scorch. As a result, the taste of the dish may suffer, and cleaning the pan will require significant effort.
To avoid this problem, many people use an excessive amount of oil when cooking, but this is not always the right solution. The good news is that this problem can be significantly reduced by paying attention to a few simple points while cooking. You can prevent the dish from sticking to the pan by using these five kitchen tricks without adding much oil.
Firstly, before starting to cook, you should apply a thin layer of oil to the bottom and edges of the pan, distributing it evenly with a spoon or silicone brush. This light layer of oil reduces the likelihood of the dish sticking.
Secondly, if onions or spices start sticking to the bottom while frying, it is enough to add one or two tablespoons of water. This helps to loosen the spices and reduces the risk of them burning; however, in dry dishes, water should be added in limited quantities.
Thirdly, when adding tomatoes, it is recommended to use tomato paste in the required amount. This gives the dish some moisture and thickness, improving the interaction of spices, which is especially useful for saucy dishes.
The fourth rule states: first, you need to lightly preheat the pan, and then add the oil. After the oil has heated up, you should add vegetables or spices. It is important to avoid overheating the pan, especially when using non-stick cookware, as strong heating of empty cookware is undesirable.
Finally, to prevent sticking, you must stir the dish periodically. If you leave the food without stirring for a long time, it can stick to the bottom. Therefore, you should stir the dish regularly while maintaining medium heat. When working with non-stick pans, it is recommended to use wooden or silicone spatulas to avoid scratches.