6 Easy methods to fix excess salt in curries

Adding too much salt to a curry is a common kitchen mishap, but thankfully, it can be fixed in several simple ways. Whether it's a lentil dish, a vegetable gravy, or a rich meat curry, you don’t have to throw it away. These easy techniques can help balance the flavors and rescue your dish. Here are six effective methods to reduce excess salt in curries, explained in small, practical paragraphs.

Add a starchy ingredient
Potatoes are excellent at absorbing excess salt. Simply add a peeled, raw potato to the curry and let it simmer for 10–15 minutes. The potato will soak up some of the salt as it cooks. Remove it before serving. This method works best in watery gravies and can slightly thicken the curry as well.


Increase the quantity
One of the most effective fixes is to add more of the curry’s base ingredients—like onions, tomatoes, or coconut milk. This dilutes the salt concentration without affecting the dish's overall flavor. You may need to adjust the spices slightly to maintain balance, but this approach saves the entire batch.

Use dairy products
For curries that allow dairy, adding cream, yogurt, or milk can neutralize excess salt. These ingredients mellow the flavor and make the curry richer and more balanced. Be careful when adding yogurt—stir it in slowly on low heat to prevent curdling. This trick works well in North Indian gravies and mild curries.


Add a sweetener
A small amount of sugar, jaggery, or honey can counteract the saltiness. This doesn’t remove the salt but masks it, balancing the overall flavor profile. This method is especially useful in tomato-based curries or dishes with naturally tangy notes. Add little by little to avoid making the curry too sweet.

Mix in nut or seed paste
Cashew, almond, or poppy seed pastes are often used to thicken and enrich curries. Adding a small amount of such paste not only reduces the impact of excess salt but also enhances the flavor and texture of the dish. This works especially well in Mughlai or festive-style gravies.


Serve with unsalted sides
If fixing the curry itself isn’t possible, another option is to balance the meal as a whole. Serve the salty curry with unsalted rice, chapatis, bread, or even plain dal. This tones down the saltiness in each bite and ensures the meal is still enjoyable.

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