Oil not separating in my salan
Everyone says "bhuno till the oil separates," but mine never does, even after 20 minutes. I end up putting more oil in at the end. I know, sounds ewww.
3 answers
Kia Pakaun Kitchen · 30 October 2026Best answer
Not ewww at all, very common! Oil only separates once the water has gone, so if you keep adding water or have the lid on, it never will. Bhuno on medium-high with the lid off, stirring often, and add only a splash of water when things stick. Fry the onions properly golden before the tomatoes go in, and cook the tomatoes until they're a soft paste with no raw smell. When the masala looks glossy and pulls away from the sides, you'll see the oil at the edges. If you used very little oil, it may never show much, and that's fine as long as the masala smells cooked.
Rabiya Furqan · 30 October 2026
Haha thank you for not judging! I think the lid is my mistake, I always cover it thinking it'll cook faster. Next time lid off and proper golden onions, let's see if the oil finally shows up.
Haadiya · 31 October 2026
I think you add less oil in the beginning too