Step into any Indian kitchen - compact or sprawling - and you will find a space that works harder than most home appliances combined. From churning out breakfast to simmering dal, rolling chapatis, brewing multiple rounds of chai, and juggling snacks in between, our kitchens are multitasking machines. Amidst the hustle of pressure cookers, tawas, kadhais, and chutney jars lies one of the most underrated tools in the kitchen arsenal: the humble lid.
This round cover - be it glass, steel, or aluminium - might just be your kitchen's silent workhorse. And chances are, it is not getting the credit it deserves. Whether boiling dal, sautéing vegetables, or rushing to get dinner on the table, the lid does far more than sit on top of your pot. It retains heat, reduces cooking time, saves fuel, enhances flavour, and minimises cleanup. It is one of the smartest kitchen hacks you can adopt without spending a single rupee.
Also Read: Setting Up Your Bachelor Pad? Don't Forget These Kitchen Must-Haves
Photo Credit: Pexels
1. Faster Cooking, Less Waiting Time
Putting a lid on your pot traps heat and steam, dramatically cutting down the time it takes for food to cook. Think of it as a pressure cooker's low-effort cousin.
Benefits include:
- Softer vegetables like lauki, bhindi, and potatoes in less time
- Quicker dal boiling with fewer chances of messy stovetop spills
- Thicker, richer gravies that retain more of their original aroma
Also Read: Kitchen Tips: 9 Smart Ways To Save Time In Kitchen
2. Lowers Your Gas Bill
Cooking with the lid on is not just smart; it is also budget-friendly. It reduces cooking time, which means lower fuel usage by as much as 20 to 30 per cent. Dishes that take longer to cook, like rajma, sambar, or chole, benefit the most.
3. More Flavour, Less Oil
Covering your pan traps aroma and steam, which helps spices seep into the ingredients more effectively. This method builds depth of flavour with less oil-a smart trick for slow-cooked meats and vegetarian dishes alike.
4. Cuts Down Splatter And Post-Cooking Cleanup
Nobody enjoys scrubbing curry stains off the kitchen counter. A lid helps keep oil splashes and masala splatter under control, especially during tempering or simmering. Less mess equals less stress.
Also Read: 5 Expert Tips To Keep Your Kitchen Sanitized, Clean And Germ-Free
Photo Credit: Pexels
5. When To Use A Lid (And When Not To)
But putting the lid on at the wrong moment can mess with texture or stop moisture from escaping when it needs to. Timing matters more than you think.
Use the lid when:
- Steaming or softening vegetables such as cabbage and green beans
- Boiling rice, dal, tea, or pasta
- Cooking gravies, curries, or stews on a low flame
Avoid the lid when:
- Reducing sauces or thickening liquids
- Frying sabzis like sukhi aloo or crispy bhindi
- Browning onions or garlic, where dry heat is key
Bonus Kitchen Hack: Tilt The Lid
If the pot is releasing too much steam, try tilting the lid slightly. It allows some moisture to escape without drying out the food completely. This trick works well for rice, boiled vegetables, and steamed dishes.
Also Read: 13 Kitchen Disasters That Can Be Averted With These Pro Tips
Photo Credit: Pexels
So, the next time your curry is taking longer than expected, do not just stand there stirring-put a lid on it. It will save you time, energy, and money, while making your food taste better. A small change that delivers big results.