LP Gas is commonly used in cooking in many households. With the escalation in price of LP Gas, housewives are in a quandary as to how they could stretch their 13.5 kg gas for a month. One might say it is impossible, but with a little care, you could economize on gas. We give you a few tips on how you could save on gas usage.
1. Thaw frozen food prior to cooking. The heat energy that would be needed to bring down the frozen food’s temperature to room temperature can be saved. Most housewives, do not thaw frozen food completely and leave it to the heat from the gas cooker to do the needful. This method is not only a waste of gas, but the curry you are preparing will not be tasty, due to the fact that the ingredients added will not absorb into the meat or vegetables properly.
2. If water needs to be boiled for beverages several times a day, use a thermos flask instead.
3. Refrain from using too much water when cooking, as excess water will mean excess usage of gas.
4. Wipe all cooking utensils prior to placing them on the stove, as a minute or two of gas will be needed to disperse excess water around and underneath the cooking utensils.
5. Whenever possible close cooking utensils with lids when cooking on the stove. This will definitely save a lot of energy and a substantial saving could be derived.
6. Using a pressure cooker saves a lot of gas as cooking in it consumes less time.
7. Prior to cooking, make ready all vegetables and meat. Have all ingredients at hand. This avoids wasting time once the flame is lit.
8. Reduce the flame when boiling starts. This not only saves energy, but makes your food taste better.
9. Although this tip may not find favour with Sri Lankan housewives, it is worth a try. Cook larger quantities and store for late consumption.
10. It is best that lentils are soaked prior to cooking. Remember that a sizeable saving on gas could be derived.
11. If you find the burner giving out an orange light along with the blue light, its time you cleaned your gas cooker. Yellow flames are an indication that incomplete burning is taking place.
12. Use aluminium or stainless steel pans and not clay pots, as metals are good conductors of heat and clay is definitely not.
13. Most gas cookers have a smaller burner and a large burner. It is advisable at all times possible to use the smaller burner and if you are using the larger burner, it is advisable to reduce the flame.
14. Plan your meal times – If all members of the family eat together, which signifies togetherness and brings joy, frequent preheating of food before serving can be avoided. If eating together is not possible, store cooked hot food in insulated containers to retain heat
15. Always check the regulator, pipes and burners for leaks and also make certain that the regulator is switched off after cooking. This bit of advice is twofold, in that just as much as you save on gas, you will avoid accidents as well.
