Mustard oil, or sarson tel, is more than just a cooking medium in the states of Uttar Pradesh (UP) and Bihar; it is a cultural tradition that has been cherished for generations. Emami Healthy & Tasty Kachchi Ghani Mustard Oil enhances this tradition by offering a variety of pungency levels and ensuring complete transparency in labelling, allowing consumers to make informed choices about their preferred 'jhanjh' (pungency). In this blog, we’ll look at the everyday uses of Sarso Tel in UP and Bihar.
Mustard Oil in Uttar Pradesh: A Culinary Tradition
In the heartlands of UP, mustard oil is more than just a cooking medium; it’s a tradition. Families use it for sautéing, frying, pickling, and even in raw form for specific dishes. Its strong flavour enhances the taste of many regional recipes, making it a preferred choice in these states.
Everyday Uses in Uttar Pradesh
Cooking: Mustard oil is indispensable in UP kitchens. It is used extensively for frying, sautéing, and tempering. Traditional dishes like aloo bhujia, baingan bharta, and bhindi masala are often cooked in mustard oil, giving them a unique flavour that is both robust and earthy.
Tadka and Tempering: A key component of UP cuisine is the 'tadka' or tempering, where mustard oil is heated until it smokes slightly and then spices like cumin, mustard seeds, and fenugreek are added. This method is used to flavour dals and curries, adding a depth of flavour that is quintessential to the region's food.
Preserving and Pickling: In UP, homemade pickles are a common household item. Mustard oil acts as a natural preservative due to its antibacterial properties and adds a distinctive tang to mango, lemon, and mixed vegetable pickles.
Massage and Skin Care: Apart from its culinary uses, mustard oil is traditionally used for body massages. In UP, especially during winters, mustard oil massages are common for improving blood circulation and keeping the skin supple and warm.
Mustard Oil in Bihar: A Vital Ingredient
In Bihar, mustard oil holds a special place in traditional cooking. It is used extensively in frying, sautéing, and pickling, adding a unique flavour to dishes that is hard to replicate with other oils.
Everyday Uses in Bihar
Cooking and Frying: In Bihar, mustard oil is used for both everyday cooking and special dishes. Popular dishes like litti-chokha, sattu paratha, and fish curry are typically cooked in mustard oil, which enhances their flavours and adds a distinctive 'jhanjh'.
Chutneys and Condiments: Mustard oil is a key ingredient in various chutneys and condiments that accompany Bihari meals. The oil's pungency complements the sharp flavours of raw onions, garlic, and green chilies, making it an essential part of the culinary experience.
Pickling: Similar to UP, pickling in Bihar heavily relies on mustard oil. The oil’s ability to preserve and enhance the flavour of ingredients like raw mangoes, chilies, and mixed vegetables makes it a staple in Bihari households.
4. Hair and Skin Care: Mustard oil is also used for hair care in Bihar. It is believed to strengthen hair, prevent dandruff, and promote growth. Additionally, it is used for body massages, particularly for newborns and during winter months to keep the skin moisturised and warm.
Emami Healthy & Tasty Kachchi Ghani Mustard Oil: The Right to Choose Your 'Jhanjh'
One of the standout features of Emami Healthy & Tasty Kachchi Ghani Mustard Oil is its commitment to transparency. Emami is the only brand that transparently writes the pungency number on its pack, allowing consumers to choose the exact level of pungency they desire. This transparency aligns with the Right to Information Act, ensuring that every detail is mentioned on the pack.
Read food label before buying to make an informed choice. Emami is the only brand that transparently displays the pungency level on its pack. Checking the food label ensures you know what you’re consuming and helps in taking an informed decision about your products.
Transparency and Trust: Reading Food Labels
Emami takes pride in being the only brand that transparently displays the pungency level on its packaging. This practice aligns with the Right to Information act, ensuring consumers can make informed decisions. When you read food labels before buying, you gain insights into the nutritional value of sarso oil.
Nutritional Benefits of Mustard Oil
Understanding the nutritional value of sarso oil is crucial for making informed dietary choices. Mustard oil in general is known to be rich in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, including omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. These fats are beneficial for heart health and help in maintaining healthy cholesterol levels.
How to Check Nutritional Info?
It's important to know how to check nutritional info on food labels. Look for the FSSAI labelling, which ensures the product meets safety standards. The benefit of checking food labels includes understanding the ingredients and nutritional content, helping you make informed decisions. This practice aligns with the broader question of why check food labels and the importance of transparency in food products. Emami Healthy & Tasty ensures that consumers interests are protected at all times, in order to educate the consumers about the importance of checking the pack for pungency levels before buying mustard oil, Emami Healthy and Tasty launched Label Dekho Campaign - in which the main motto is to align consumers ’ mind to ‘Label Dekh Kar Khareedo’ practice.
Regional Preferences and Recipes
In Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, mustard oil’s moderate to strong pungency levels are favoured for their ability to enhance the natural flavours of local ingredients and spices. The everyday culinary landscape in these regions is rich and varied, with mustard oil being a key ingredient in many beloved dishes.
Sarson ka Saag: A winter specialty in Uttar Pradesh, sarson ka saag is a hearty dish made from mustard greens and other leafy vegetables like spinach and bathua (wild spinach). Mustard oil is used both for tempering and adding depth to this nutritious green curry.
Ingredients:
● 2 cups mustard greens
● 1 cup spinach
● 1 cup bathua leaves
● 2 tablespoons Emami Healthy & Tasty Kachchi Ghani Mustard Oil Strong
● 1 onion, finely chopped
● 4-5 garlic cloves, minced
● 1-inch piece of ginger, minced
● 2-3 green chilies, chopped
● Salt to taste
● Spices: turmeric, red chilli powder, garam masala
Method:
1. Blanch the mustard greens, spinach, and bathua leaves in boiling water, then blend into a coarse paste.
2. Heat mustard oil in a pan, add garlic, ginger, and green chilies, and sauté until fragrant.
3. Add chopped onions and cook until golden brown.
4. Stir in the greens paste, add salt and spices, and simmer for about 20-30 minutes until the saag thickens and flavours meld.
Aloo Bhujiya: This is the one of the most common dish in UP and Bihar households. The preparation for this dish is simple and relies heavily on sarson tel.
Ingredients:
● 4 large potatoes, thinly sliced
● 3 tablespoons Emami Healthy & Tasty Kachchi Ghani Mustard Oil (choose your preferred jhanjh level)
● 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
● 2 green chilies, sliced
● Salt to taste
● Red chilli powder to taste
● 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
● Fresh coriander leaves, chopped
Instructions:
1. Heat mustard oil in a pan.
2. Add cumin seeds and green chilies, and sauté for a minute.
3. Add the sliced potatoes, turmeric powder, salt, and red chilli powder.
4. Cook on medium heat until the potatoes are crispy and golden brown.
5. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve hot with roti or rice.
Conclusion
Mustard oil remains an integral part of everyday life in UP and Bihar, enriching the culinary landscape with its distinct flavour and versatility. Emami Healthy & Tasty Kachchi Ghani Mustard Oil enhances this experience by offering different pungency levels, ensuring that every household can enjoy their preferred 'jhanjh'. Remember, why check food labels and the benefit of checking food labels cannot be overstated.
Emami’s commitment to transparency ensures that you always have the information you need to make the best choice for your family’s health and taste preferences. Embrace the tradition, enjoy the flavour, and always look for label to ensure you are getting the best quality mustard oil for your kitchen.
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