5 Ways To Balance Out Spicy Flavors in Your Meals

On occasion, we take on the challenge of powering through a dish that’s on the hot side. After spending time and love in the kitchen, it can feel disappointing to sit down and find out that your fresh meal is too hot for your tolerance level. So what can you do? Is it beyond repair? The answer is no. Here are five excellent and effective ways to balance out spicy flavors in your meals.

Add Dairy

Those who prefer high heat, like extra hot salsa macha, have probably heard the trick of drinking a glass of milk. This isn’t just a myth, though. The heat levels come from capsaicin, an organic chemical compound present in peppers. Dairy products, such as milk, sour cream, and yogurt, contain a specific protein that binds with the capsaicin called casein, which lessens the sensations that result from capsaicin.

Use Nuts and Nut Butters

Foods high in fat, such as nuts and nut butters, can help balance out the oils in capsaicin. It takes a single scoop of your favorite nut butter to neutralize the heat. It’s also a unique way to add proteins and healthy fats to whatever meal you’re making.

Squeeze In Some Citrus

Adding a squeeze of your favorite citrus fruit can also balance out spicy flavors in your meals. Some common citrus fruits are lemon and lime—people will often quarter them and squeeze them over the dish. This works because capsaicin contains an alkaline molecule, and the acidity in citrus fruits acts as a neutralizer.

Sprinkle In the Sugar

Many spice-lovers are familiar with the Scoville Scale, which measures the heat in peppers. But some may not know that taking these measurements requires one to establish the necessary sugar-water solution to neutralize the heat during the testing phase. Sugar is a pantry staple that serves purposes other than baking. Just add one pinch at a time until you find the right balance.

Grains and Starches

Don’t fear the power of carbs when you use them in moderation and in proper proportions. By adding a grain or starch to a spicy dish, you can balance both the heat and the meal. Things like potatoes and rice provide additional nutrients without any associated guilt, and you can pick up just a bit of rice to counteract the heat in the dish.

By balancing out the heat and matching it with your tolerance levels, you can capture the intense flavors in every bite. The goal is not to cancel out the heat but to soften it for enjoyment. Connect with Don Emilio today to learn more about our unique salsa macha flavors.