Tips And Tricks: Too Much Smoke While Making Parathas Or Puris? Try These 6 Hacks | Lifestyle News

Last Updated:July 01, 2025, 08:20 IST

Making parathas or puris often fills the kitchen with smoke, causing irritation. But with a few simple tips like using salt or vinegar, you can keep the air clean and fresh

If you start your day with puris or parathas for breakfast, chances are you feel full for most of the day, and it’s a meal most people enjoy. However, one common problem while preparing these delicious dishes is the excessive smoke that fills the house.

Even with the exhaust fan running, the kitchen often gets smoky, leading to coughing, eye irritation, and discomfort. But worry not—there are a few simple tips you can follow to avoid smoke and enjoy cooking in peace.

Add Salt To The Oil

When making puris or parathas, the oil tends to get overheated, creating excess smoke. To prevent this, simply add a pinch of salt to the hot oil. Salt helps stabilise the oil’s temperature, preventing it from overheating and smoking. Also, always cook on a medium flame, as high flames heat the oil too quickly, pushing it past its smoke point, which causes the unpleasant black, irritating smoke.

Keep Vinegar Near The Stove

Vinegar is a handy kitchen item that also helps with smoke control. If you’re troubled by smoke while frying, keep a glass filled halfway with vinegar near the stove. The vinegar naturally absorbs the smoke, reducing its spread around the house.

Use Semolina To Control Oil Temperature

You’ve likely used semolina to make halwa, upma, or idli, but did you know it can also help reduce smoke in the kitchen? Sprinkle a little semolina on the pan before frying puris or cooking parathas. Semolina helps control the oil’s temperature, which keeps smoke to a minimum.

Lemon And Clove Solution

Lemon is another easily available ingredient that works wonders. Squeeze lemon juice into a bowl of water and place it near the stove. You can also add a few cloves to the mix. This neutralises the smoke and keeps the air in your kitchen fresh and pleasant.

Use A Wet Towel On The Door

Before you begin frying, hang a wet towel or damp sack on the kitchen door. This prevents smoke from spreading to other rooms and also helps cool the space. It’s a simple yet effective way to reduce indoor pollution during cooking.

Choose The Right Cookware

Many people use lightweight steel or aluminium utensils for frying, which heat up quickly and lead to smoking oil. Instead, opt for cast iron kadhais or tawas. These heat more evenly and slowly, keeping the oil at a stable temperature and reducing smoke. Non-stick cookware can also be a good alternative.

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