Salt is one major ingredient that could make or break a dish. Even with the best-looking texture and scent, a dish with too much salt would be disastrous. However, there are many tricks and tips to salvage a salty dish and make it fit for consumption. Natural ingredients are mostly used to take out the excess salt from the dishes. But, a disadvantage of these tips is that they can be used only in dishes that have gravy. It wouldnt work in stir-fries, snacks or fried food. Here are 7 tips to reduce excess salt in dishes.
Cut a peeled and washed potato into chunks. Add these potato chunks in the salty dish and keep it aside for 20 minutes. The potatoes would extract the excess salt from the curry. RELATED ARTICLES.
Mix rice flour into dough and make small balls from them. Put these rice balls in the curry to draw out the salt.
Fresh cream has the ability to neutralize the dish by removing excess salt. It increases the fattiness of the dish to reduce the salt.
Add a teaspoon of regular yoghurt in the dish while cooking to take out the excess salt.
You could also add 2 teaspoons milk to reduce salt. Moreover, milk can balance the overall flavours of the dish.
Cut a small onion in two or three pieces and add them into the curry. You could use raw onions or fried ones. Make sure to take out the onions after five minutes.
Mix one tablespoon each of vinegar and sugar into the dish. The bitterness of the vinegar and the sweetness of the sugar could effectively reduce the salty taste. MORE IN FEATURES.
Ah, turkey gravy. The crowning jewel of Thanksgiving dinner, the savory sauce that brings all the flavors together. But what happens when your gravy turns out a bit too salty? Fear not, fellow cooks! This guide will equip you with various methods to rescue your gravy and turn it into a masterpiece.
Understanding the Saltiness: A Detective’s Approach
Before diving into solutions, let’s first understand why your gravy might be salty. Here are some common culprits:
- Brined Turkey: If you brined your turkey, the drippings will naturally be saltier.
- Overzealous Seasoning: Sometimes, a heavy hand with salt can lead to an overly salty gravy.
- Salty Stock: Using store-bought stock can sometimes be a hidden source of excess salt.
Once you identify the cause, you can choose the most effective solution to fix your salty gravy.
The Art of Dilution: Adding More Liquid
One of the simplest ways to combat saltiness is to dilute the gravy with additional liquid. Here are some options:
- Unsalted Stock or Broth: This is the ideal choice as it adds flavor without increasing the salt content.
- Water: While not as flavorful as stock, water can still help dilute the saltiness.
- Dairy Products: Adding a splash of milk, cream, or even yogurt can not only dilute the salt but also add richness to the gravy.
Remember: Adding more liquid will thin the gravy, so you might need to thicken it afterwards using cornstarch or a roux.
The Power of Dilution: Adding More Fat
If you’re starting with salty drippings, adding more unsalted fat can help dilute the saltiness. Consider using:
- Unsalted Butter: This classic choice adds richness and flavor.
- Bacon Fat: This adds a smoky depth to the gravy.
- Duck Fat: This provides a unique and delicious flavor.
Pro Tip: Taste the drippings before adding any fat to ensure you’re not adding more salt than necessary.
Thickening the Gravy: Balancing the Salt
Adding more liquid can thin the gravy, so thickening it afterwards is crucial. Here are two methods:
- Cornstarch Slurry: Mix cornstarch with cold water to form a smooth slurry. Whisk it into the warm gravy and cook until thickened.
- Roux: This French technique involves cooking equal parts butter and flour until golden brown. Whisk the roux into the warm gravy and cook until thickened.
Remember: Don’t add dry cornstarch or flour directly to the gravy as it will clump.
Balancing the Flavor: Masking the Saltiness
While these methods won’t reduce the saltiness, they can help balance the flavor:
- Acid: A splash of lemon juice, vinegar, or even wine can help cut through the saltiness.
- Sugar: A pinch of sugar can counteract the saltiness without making the gravy sweet.
- Alcohol: A small amount of sherry, port, or brandy can add depth and complexity to the flavor, masking the saltiness.
Remember: Add these ingredients gradually and taste as you go to avoid overdoing it.
The Myth of the Potato: A Culinary Tale
You might have heard the advice of adding a raw potato to absorb the saltiness. However this is a culinary myth. While potatoes do absorb liquid, they don’t remove salt. So save yourself the trouble and skip this method.
Frequently Asked Questions: Your Gravy Savior
Q: Can I use baking soda to fix salty gravy?
A: While baking soda can neutralize acidity, it’s not recommended for salty gravy. It can alter the flavor and texture in undesirable ways.
Q: How do I prevent salty gravy in the future?
A: Taste the drippings before starting the gravy. If they’re salty, dilute them with unsalted fat or stock. Use low-sodium stock and season cautiously.
Q: Can I use low-sodium soy sauce instead of regular soy sauce?
A: Yes, low-sodium soy sauce can be a great substitute for regular soy sauce in gravy.
Q: Can I use arrowroot instead of cornstarch to thicken gravy?
A: Yes, arrowroot is a good substitute for cornstarch. It has similar thickening properties and is also gluten-free.
Q: Can I use a gravy thickener instead of cornstarch or roux?
A: Yes, gravy thickeners are readily available and can be a convenient option. However, they may contain additional ingredients that can alter the flavor of your gravy.
Q: Can I freeze leftover gravy?
A: Yes, you can freeze leftover gravy in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Q: Can I use leftover gravy for other dishes?
A: Yes, leftover gravy can be used to enhance the flavor of soups, stews, or even mashed potatoes.
Additional Resources: Your Culinary Toolkit
- How to Make Gravy from Scratch: https://www.southernliving.com/food/dish/gravy/how-to-make-gravy
- The Best Gravy Recipes: https://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/cooking-tips-techniques/best-gravy-recipes
- Thanksgiving Dinner Planning Guide: https://www.southernliving.com/holidays-occasions/thanksgiving/thanksgiving-dinner-planning-guide
With these tips and tricks, you’re now equipped to tackle salty gravy with confidence. Remember, a little creativity and experimentation can go a long way in turning a culinary mishap into a delicious success. So, go forth and conquer your gravy-making endeavors!