Essential Tips to Prevent Lentil Spills While Cooking

Effective Cooking Hacks for Lentils

Cooking lentils, or *dal*, is a staple in many Indian households. However, it can be frustrating when the pressure cooker starts whistling and the yellow, starchy liquid overflows, creating a mess on the stove.

Cleaning up after cooking is never enjoyable. To help you avoid this common issue, here are three simple and effective hacks that can make your cooking experience smoother.

**Utilize Oil or Ghee**
To prevent spills, add a few drops of mustard oil or half a teaspoon of *desi ghee* (clarified butter) to the lentils while they cook. Additionally, lightly coat the underside of the cooker lid and the area around the whistle with a bit of oil using your finger. This creates a barrier that stops the lentil foam from rising too high, keeping the outside of the cooker clean.

**Insert a Steel Spoon into the Cooker**
This traditional trick, often shared by grandmothers, is quite effective. Place a small steel bowl or spoon inside the cooker along with the lentils, water, salt, and turmeric before sealing the lid. As the lentils cook, the bowl or spoon disrupts the foam that forms, preventing the starchy liquid from reaching the whistle and spilling over.

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