5 ways to make a curry or chilli less spicy: – 1. More vegetables The easiest way to dissipate heat in any recipe is to add more ingredients, generally more veg will be the option you have to hand and they’re quicker to cook than some other options. Starchy veg such as potato and sweet potato are particularly effective.2.
Coconut milk or cream For Thai curry and other similar coconut-based curries, add more coconut milk, or a spoonful of coconut cream to each serving to be stirred through. Coconut milk is a vegan option for all curries, providing the coconut flavour will work.3. Lemon, lime or vinegar Adding a squeeze of citrus, a splash of vinegar or some salt may also work (for both coconut-based and other curries like this goat curry ) as they will balance out the flavour.4.
Yogurt or soured cream A dollop of yogurt or soured cream works wonders on Indian-style curries and chillies but you can also add milk to the curry or chilli base if you have really gone overboard with heat. Simmer the base gently once you have added it but don’t boil it or it may split.5. 
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How do you reduce spiciness?
1. Tone It Down with Acids – Hot peppers like chili and cayenne contain a compound called capsaicin, whether they’re fresh or dried. This ingredient is responsible for most of the heat that you experience, especially that burning sensation when it contacts mucous membranes (like those inside your mouth). Since capsaicin is an alkaline oil, its intensity may be offset with cooking acids. 
Acidic ingredients such as lemon or lime juice, vinegar, wine, tomatoes, and even pineapple will all help to neutralize the pH levels of a spicy oil, and reduce some of that flaming-hot flavor. Add the juice of half a lemon or lime, or a tablespoon or two of wine, vinegar, or tomato sauce, to your over-spiced dish.
How do you neutralize spicy chili?
How Do I Save a Dish That’s Too Spicy? You’ve set the table, put on your favorite playlist, and opened a bottle of wine. Your friends will be over any minute. You give your dish a final taste to make sure it’s good to go and suddenly your mouth is on fire.
- The dish you’ve slaved over is waaaaay too spicy.
- You think, “Oh no, I’ve gone too far! I shouldn’t have added that last dash of cayenne! I’ve rendered my dish inedible! Possibly lethal!” In a panic you consider tossing the whole thing in the trash and pulling out a frozen pizza.
- Not to worry, we’ve got a few ways to salvage your dinner (and maybe even make it better).1.
Cool down with dairy The capsaicin in chiles is what gives the peppers their burn. One of the best ways to counteract this chemical compound is by adding a dairy product: whole fat milk, heavy cream, yogurt, cheese, or sour cream. Even rich coconut milk can do the trick.2.
Sweet salvation Sugars help to neutralize the heat of chile peppers. So try adding a little sugar or honey to balance out too-hot flavors.3. Bulk up the other ingredients Diffuse the heat by adding more of the major components of the dish. That might mean more broth, meat, or vegetables, depending on what you are making.
Or improvise and add grated carrots, squash, or potatoes to soak up some of the spice. Calabrian Chile Oil Penden + Munk 4. Serve with starch Offer something neutral in flavor to temper the spiciness of your meal. Pasta, rice, bread, couscous, or grains are all good choices to serve with a spicy main.5.
Add some acid Acidic liquids like vinegar, lemon, or lime juice, and even chopped tomatoes can cut through intense heat. Use whatever will complement the flavors of your dish.6. Nut butter could be your secret weapon If the flavors are compatible—maybe an Asian noodle dish like pad thai—try stirring in some tahini, peanut or almond butter.
The fat content in nut butters can help extinguish the flame. Next time Protect yourself from this predicament in the future by adding a little heat at a time and taste as you go. Remember that the liquid in long-simmering dishes like chili or curry evaporate as they cook and the flavors become more concentrated.
What spice removes sweetness?
If your food is too sweet Add an acid or seasonings such as lemon juice, lime juice, or vinegar; chopped fresh herbs, citrus zest, or a dash of cayenne for savory dishes, liqueur or instant espresso for sweet dishes.
What cancels out sweetness in sauce?
Acid – If you’ve ever watched a cooking show or read a cookbook, you know there are a few components that can turn an average meal into something truly amazing. One of which is acid. If your sauce is overly sweet, consider adding in fresh lemon juice, citrus juice, mild vinegar, or whatever else you may have on hand.
What can you do if a curry is too hot?
Serve it with a dollop of dairy – Adding dairy is an ideal way to dull down the heat in hot spicy food. Try serving spicy curries with a dollop of plain yoghurt or serve that spicy soup with a hearty pour of cream or sour cream.
How do you cancel sweetness in cooking?
Your dish is too sweet – If your dish is too sweet, you can add acidity (lemon juice or vinegar) or a pinch of salt. These will help round out those sweet flavors.5 / 15 tarapong srichaiyos/Shutterstock
What will neutralize sugar?
Eat some protein and fiber – Stabilize your blood sugar by eating some slow-digesting protein and fiber. If you don’t, your blood sugar will crash and you’ll potentially feel hungry and want to eat again. Great snack options are an apple and nut butter, a hard boiled egg and pistachios, or hummus and veggies.
Does salt cancel out sweetness?
The rules – Remember that salt does more than make food taste salty. It enhances sweetness and suppresses bitterness. If you add a little too much salt, says Thompson, you might be able to get away with it if you up the sourness, sugar or chilli. Diluting the dish with a little more water can also help, he adds, “just lift it out of the intensity”.
- You can also disguise an unbalanced dish by adjusting the accompaniments.
- Don’t salt the rice, or compensate a sour main dish with sweeter foods on the side.
- Beware taste saturation.
- The more you keep sampling the food, warns Clancy, the more used to it you will become.
- So punctuate your tasting with palate-cleansing glugs of water.
When using very hot chilli, you’ll need to turn up the volume on the salt and sour, too. “It’s what Thais call a rounded taste,” says Thompson. Is it an art or is it a science? Do you think about balancing tastes when you’re cooking? Have you any more seasoning tips and pitfalls to add to the above?
