Essential Tips to Save Time When Cooking South Asian Food

South Asian cuisine is rich in flavours, aromas, and diverse cooking techniques. However, traditional cooking methods can be time-consuming. Whether you're new to this style of cooking or looking to streamline your process, these tips will help you prepare delicious South Asian dishes efficiently.

1. Prep Ingredients in Advance
Chop onions, garlic, and ginger ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator or freezer for quick use.

2. Use Pre-Made Spice Blends
Instead of measuring individual spices every time, prepare or buy ready-made spice blends like garam masala or curry powder to save time.

3. Batch Cook and Freeze
Make large portions of curries, dals, and spice pastes and freeze them in portions for quick meals later.

4. Invest in a Pressure Cooker or Instant Pot
These appliances can significantly cut down cooking times for dals, beans, and meat dishes while maintaining flavour.

5. Use Canned or Pre-Soaked Lentils and Beans
Instead of soaking lentils and beans overnight, opt for canned or pre-soaked versions to cut down on preparation time.

6. Cook Rice Efficiently
Use a rice cooker or pre-cook and store rice in the fridge for quick reheating when needed.

7. Simplify the Onion Base
Caramelising onions takes time, so prepare and store a batch in the fridge or freezer to use in multiple dishes.

8. Opt for Store-Bought Dough
Making roti or paratha from scratch can be time-consuming. Use pre-made dough or frozen options for convenience.

9. Multi-Task While Cooking
Use downtime effectively—while your curry simmers, prepare other ingredients or clean up the workspace.

10. Plan Meals in Advance
Having a weekly meal plan helps streamline grocery shopping and ensures you have everything prepped for faster cooking.

By incorporating these time-saving tips into your cooking routine, you can enjoy flavourful South Asian meals with minimal effort. Happy cooking!