5 Traditional Dishes Where Cold Pressed Oil Shines

Food is never just food in India; it’s an emotion, a memory, and a part of a tradition that is served on a plate. Especially for mothers, cooking food is a sort of meditation that requires their love and motherhood. And this love is served with the help of an ingredient: cold pressed oil.

From our grandmothers to mothers to us, the secret ingredients of their kitchens have been passed down to make the best food. Unlike the refined oils that are used in the kitchen, they have no nutrients as they come from factory heat. Whereas the best cold pressed oil retains it’s natural goodness and flavors. Whether you need the aroma of groundnut oil, the twist taste of mustard or sesame oil, these oils provide an authentic taste to your Indian cooking.

If you’re wondering that it’s been years since you last cooked food in cold pressed oil, then this blog will help you uncover the best 5 traditional dishes you can try that are healthy, easy, and taste best. Also, what are the cold pressed oil uses and why it is important. 

List of 5 Traditional Dishes

1. Sarson Da Saag (Punjabi Mustard Greens Curry)

Dish Overview:

In Punjab, winter isn't winter without Sarson da Saag, a dish made with mustard greens, bathua, and spinach. The ginger, garlic, and green chilies that you serve with the saag get to simmer away gradually, bringing in their flavor into the saplings. Like anything from Punjab, this is served with Makki di Roti, melting fresh butter.

Recommended Oil: Cold Pressed Mustard Oil

Why Cold Pressed Mustard Oil?

1. The strong, pungent, earthy scent of mustard greens will mature when cooked.
2. There are lots of monounsaturated fats and omega-3 fatty acids, making it a great source of heart-healthy fat.
3. The anti-inflammatory properties of Sarson Da Saag, it is good in taste and also inherently nutritious.

2. Shorshe Ilish (Bengali Hilsa in Mustard Gravy)

Dish Overview:

For Bengali people, Hilsa is a cultural food and is not just any fish. Shorshe Ilish is an opportunity to enjoy Hilsa and have it take up place in a very special mustard seed sauce and then fried in mega mustard oil. Mustard oil has a pungent smell, and it contributes by adding layers that ensure an aromatic smell with lasting flavor.

Recommended Oil: Cold Pressed Mustard Oil

Why Cold Pressed Mustard Oil?

1. It has a unique astringent flavor that contributes to the taste of genuine mustard gravy.
2. Improving digestion and immunity.
3. This oil has a long history of use in East Indian cooking and always achieves authenticity, simply because there is no other substitute for achieving the specific aroma of the oil.

3. Brinjal Fry (Andhra/Tamil Nadu Style)

Dish Overview:

This is a tasty & spicy dish from South India where thinly sliced brinjals are first seasoned, then shallow fried till golden brown, when they are crispy and have absorbed flavorful spices.

Recommended Oil: Cold Pressed Groundnut Oil

Why Cold Pressed Groundnut Oil?

1. Cold pressed groundnut oil is an excellent oil for deep frying and for crisping vegetables.
2. It has a mild nutty flavour that would enhance the food instead of dominating it.
3. It is rich in vitamin E & antioxidants, advantageous for the heart.

4. Mixed Sprouts Poha

Dish Overview:

Poha is a significant breakfast food in India, and when sprouts like moong, matki, and chana are added to it, it not only adds to its nutrition but creates a power-packed breakfast to fuel your day.

Recommended Oil: Cold-Pressed Groundnut Oil

Why Cold Pressed Groundnut Oil?

1. Gives poha a nice, subtle, crunchy texture.
2. A rich source of antioxidants and promotes gut health.
3. Keeps the dish light while providing healthy fats.

5. Sesame Rice or Idli Drizzle

Dish Overview:

In Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, ellu sadam (sesame rice) and drizzling sesame oil over steaming hot idlis is a holy experience. The aroma is rich and earthy; totally satisfying.

Recommended Oil:Cold-Pressed Sesame Oil

Why Cold Pressed Sesame Oil?

1. Complementary nutty richness enhances flavor.
2. Rich in calcium and zinc for healthy bones.
3. Naturally anti-inflammatory, good for everyday use.

Why Choose Cold Pressed Oils?

Switching to the best cold pressed oil isn’t just about taste; it’s about preserving the integrity of your meals and your health.

Conclusion

Cold pressed oils, aside from their health benefits, strengthen the character, authenticity and history of Indian foods, all the way from the bold Sarson da Saag from Punjab, to the delicate Shorshe Ilish from Bengal, to the nutty sesame-style dishes from the South; they contribute to true nutritional quality, aroma, and flavour to dishes which refined oils simply cannot.

FAQs Cold Pressed Oil

Q1. Can you deep fry with cold pressed oil?

Yes, mostly groundnut and sesame oils would be a good option. They have high smoke points. It should be expected that it will be reliable and have a steady conversion to oil with little loss of nutritional values.

Q2. What is the healthiest cold pressed cooking oil that you would use for daily cooking?

It depends on what area/cuisine you are cooking. Mustard oil is the best option for North Indian cooking. Sesame oil is a traditional oil for South Indian cooking. Overall, groundnut oil is often suggested for everyday frying. Cold pressed groundnut oil is a great and healthy cooking oil.

Q3. Are cold pressed oils expensive?

They will probably cost more than traditional refined oils, but in your kitchen, the flavour and the nutrients, and the long-term health benefits are definitely well worth the cost associated with them.