How to Make a Cooked Dish Less Spicy

Neutralizing spicy peppers can be accomplished by adding dairy products to your recipe.

After you spend hours preparing your favorite Mexican or Indian dish, you realize upon taking the first bite, the dish is too spicy. Because of the oils that are released during the cooking process of chilies and hot peppers, the meal you created can lead to fiery mouthfuls. There are a few simple remedies to make your dish palatable by adding a couple of key ingredients to the mix.

Things You'll Need

• Plain yogurt or sour cream
• Cream or coconut milk
• Cheese
• Tablespoon measuring spoon
• Stirring spoon
• Tasting spoons

Instructions

1. Add plain yogurt, cream or coconut milk to a spicy curry-based dish one tablespoon at a time. Incorporate the yogurt or cream completely by stirring the mixture together. For a Mexican recipe, use sour cream or cheese to lessen the heat.

2. Take a small taste of your dish to determine if the spice is bearable. Have a glass of milk or a piece of bread nearby to cleanse your palate between tastings.

3. Add tablespoonfuls of cream or yogurt to your dish continually until you achieve the level of spice you desire. Incorporate each addition completely to ensure the dish as a whole has been affected and the spiciness has been reduced.

4. Serve the meal with an additional dollop of sour cream or yogurt on top for added measure. You can also serve the meal with a side bowl of yogurt, sour cream or cheese for those who are extra sensitive to spice.

5. Make amendments to your recipe. Take notes on the additions you make to your recipe so you have a reference for the next time you make the dish. Reduce the amounts of chilies, curry powder or any hot sauce that is included in the recipe.

Tips & Warnings

• In some cases, doubling the recipe without adding the spicy ingredients can also help.

• Cooking a side dish of rice, Naan bread or tortilla chips will help neutralize the spices.

• Do not drink water to try and neutralize the spice. Water only spreads the oils of the chilies across your tongue.

References

• Chipotle Chiles: Capsaicin in hot chili peppers information
• Slashfood: Tip of the Day: Cool Down Spicy Food
• Chef Talk: When Things Go Wrong A Guide To Fixing Kitchen Disasters