What is the recommended substitute for half the ghee or oil during tadka preparation for calorie reduction?
Answer
Vegetable broth or water.
A highly effective substitution technique targets the cooking medium itself, specifically when creating the tempering (*tadka*). Instead of using the full traditional amount of *ghee* or oil required for blooming the spices, one can replace half of that quantity with vegetable broth or plain water. This allows the spices to release their necessary essential oils and flavor compounds without incorporating excessive empty calories from fat. To prevent scorching, this method necessitates maintaining a slightly lower heat setting, but the resulting flavor payoff is substantial relative to the significant calorie savings achieved.

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