Steel bowl on the dal keeps froth from spilling out of the pressure cooker

Dal spilling out of the pressure cooker and soiling the stove and kitchen platform is a common but annoying problem. Often the dal is put on the gas and attention turns to other work, and soon the cooker's whistle is seen spitting out dal water and froth. Not only is food wasted, cleaning the stove also takes considerable time and effort. A simple and effective home remedy can help.

First, it helps to understand why froth forms. As dal cooks, the starch and protein in it heat up and create a large amount of froth. As the water temperature rises, the frothy portion climbs upwards. In the cramped space of the cooker, rising steam pressure pushes this froth straight to the mouth of the whistle or the edges of the lid, and it easily starts leaking out. Filling the cooker with too much water without regard to its capacity makes the problem worse.

Now the remedy. Every homemaker can do this with something easily available in the kitchen. After putting the dal, water and the required spices in the cooker, place a small, clean steel bowl on top, upside down or right side up. The bowl should be of a size that sits snugly at the mouth of the cooker or fits comfortably inside it.

When the dal begins to boil on the gas and the froth rises quickly, the steel bowl placed in the middle breaks the speed and force of the froth. Instead of reaching the lid directly, the froth bubbles hit the bowl and settle on their own. As a result, all the liquid stays safely inside the cooker. The method is also said to be quite useful while boiling rajma and chhole, besides chana dal and toor dal.

Along with placing the bowl, it is also important to watch the cooker's capacity. The quantity of dal and water in the cooker should always be kept below two-thirds of its total capacity, so that the steam gets enough open space to circulate. These small, easy tricks will make cooking more convenient and save time.

This information is based on general knowledge and home remedies, and is not a professional or scientific claim. Follow all safety rules while using a pressure cooker and always keep food in it according to its capacity, so that the risk of any accident is averted. For more information, consult experts in the relevant field before trying this remedy.