7 Indian Cooking Mistakes Even Your Mother-in-Law Makes

3. Ignoring the Tempering Technique

Tempering, or "tadka," is a fundamental technique in Indian cooking that involves frying spices in hot oil or ghee to release their flavors before adding them to a dish. Skipping this step or executing it poorly can result in a lackluster dish. The aromatic infusion created by tempering is crucial for dishes like dal and sambhar, where it acts as a flavor enhancer. To perfect tempering, ensure the oil is hot enough to make the spices sizzle and release their essential oils, but not so hot that they burn. Mastering this technique can transform a simple dish into a flavorful masterpiece.