Spicy food can be a delight for some, but for others, it can be a nightmare. The heat and spiciness levels in food can vary, and sometimes, they can be too much to handle. If you’ve ever found yourself in a situation where your mouth is on fire because of the food you ate, you’ve probably wished you knew how to take away the spice in food. Fortunately, there are several ways to tame the heat and enjoy your meal without any discomfort.
1. Add Dairy Products
If you want to take away spice in food, dairy products are your best friends. Milk, yogurt, cheese, and sour cream can all help to neutralize the heat and provide relief to your taste buds. These dairy products contain casein, which is a protein that helps to break down the capsaicin, the compound that makes food spicy. So, if you’ve had a spicy meal, try adding a dollop of sour cream or yogurt to your plate.
2. Add Acidic Ingredients
If you’re looking for a quick fix to take away spice in food, adding acidic ingredients like lemon juice or vinegar can help. The acid in these ingredients can help to neutralize the heat and balance out the flavors in your dish. You can also try adding some citrus fruits like lime or orange to your meal to make it less spicy.
3. Add Sweet Ingredients
Adding sweet ingredients like sugar, honey, or maple syrup to your dish can also help to take away spice in food. The sweetness can help to balance out the heat and make your meal more palatable. However, be careful not to add too much sugar as it can make your dish overly sweet.
4. Add Starchy Ingredients
Starchy ingredients like bread, rice, and potatoes can also help to take away spice in food. The starch in these ingredients can absorb the capsaicin and reduce the heat in your dish. So, if you’ve made a spicy curry or chili, try serving it with a side of rice or bread.
5. Dilute the Spice
If your food is too spicy, you can dilute the spice by adding more of the other ingredients. For example, if you’ve made a spicy salsa, add more tomatoes or onions to tone down the heat. Alternatively, you can add some coconut milk to your curry to make it less spicy.
6. Use Yogurt Sauce
If you’re a fan of Mediterranean or Middle Eastern cuisine, you’re probably familiar with yogurt sauce. This sauce is made with yogurt, garlic, and herbs, and it can help to take away spice in food. The coolness of the yogurt can help to soothe your taste buds and neutralize the heat in your dish.
7. Use Coconut Milk
Coconut milk is another great ingredient to use if you want to take away spice in food. The creamy texture of the coconut milk can help to balance out the heat and provide relief to your taste buds. You can use coconut milk in curries, soups, and stews to make them less spicy.
8. Use Peanut Butter
Peanut butter may seem like an odd ingredient to use, but it can actually help to take away spice in food. The nuttiness of the peanut butter can balance out the heat and provide a creamy texture to your dish. Try adding a spoonful of peanut butter to your spicy chili or stir-fry.
9. Use Avocado
Avocado is a great ingredient to use if you want to take away spice in food. The creaminess of the avocado can help to balance out the heat and provide relief to your taste buds. You can use avocado in guacamole, salads, and sandwiches to make them less spicy.
10. Avoid Spicy Ingredients
If you want to take away spice in food, the best way to do it is to avoid spicy ingredients altogether. Avoid using chili peppers, hot sauce, or any other spicy condiments in your meal. Instead, opt for milder ingredients like herbs, spices, and vegetables to add flavor to your dish.
Conclusion
Spicy food can be enjoyable, but sometimes, it can be too much to handle. If you’ve found yourself in a situation where your mouth is on fire because of the food you ate, don’t worry. There are several ways to take away spice in food and make it more palatable. From adding dairy products and acidic ingredients to using starchy ingredients and diluting the spice, these tips can help you enjoy your meal without any discomfort.