What is Baking Soda, soda bi carb? glossary, uses, recipes

Baking soda, chemically known as sodium bicarbonate, is a humble yet incredibly powerful leavening agent widely used in Indian kitchens. While often associated with Western baking, its role in Indian cooking extends far beyond cakes and cookies. It's a fine, white crystalline powder that, when combined with an acid and a liquid, produces carbon dioxide gas, causing doughs and batters to rise and become light and airy. Its versatility and effectiveness have made it a ubiquitous item in almost every Indian pantry.

One of the primary uses of baking soda in the Indian context is in traditional Indian snacks and savories. It's a key ingredient in making many types of pakoras (fritters), ensuring they turn out crispy and puffy. Think of the fluffy texture of batata vada or the crispness of paneer pakora – baking soda plays a crucial role here. It's also added to batters for dosas and idlis (though less common than baking soda in idlis, which traditionally rely on fermentation), contributing to their characteristic soft and porous texture.

Beyond fried snacks, baking soda is commonly used to tenderize pulses and legumes like chickpeas (chole) and kidney beans (rajma). Adding a pinch of baking soda during the soaking or boiling process helps them cook faster and become significantly softer, reducing cooking time and energy consumption. This is particularly useful in hearty Punjabi dishes where perfectly cooked legumes are essential.

In some regional Indian breads, baking soda is also employed. For instance, in certain varieties of naan or bhature (a deep-fried leavened bread often served with chole), baking soda might be used alongside yogurt or other acidic ingredients to achieve a soft, airy crumb. While yeast is common for these, baking soda offers a quick alternative for leavening without the need for extensive fermentation.

Baking soda's utility isn't limited to cooking. Its alkaline nature makes it a popular household remedy for various purposes. It's often used as a natural antacid to relieve indigestion and heartburn. Many also use it as a gentle cleaning agent, a deodorizer for refrigerators, or even as a component in homemade personal care products like toothpaste or face masks, showcasing its versatility beyond the culinary realm.

From making your evening bhajiya perfectly crispy to ensuring your chole are tender, baking soda is an unsung hero in the Indian kitchen. Its ability to act as a leavening agent, tenderizer, and even a household aid makes it an indispensable and incredibly versatile ingredient deeply integrated into the diverse culinary practices across India.

Also Known As

Bicarbonate of soda, Sodium Bicarbonate, NaHCO3

How to select Baking Soda

• Select from known brands.

• Check the manufacturing date, expiry date and the packaging before purchasing.

Culinary uses of baking soda

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Indian snacks using baking soda

Quick recipes, for evening snacks and sudden hunger. Here are few recipes which you can make and enjoy with your family. 

eggless chocolate cookies recipe | Indian style dark chocolate cookies | double chocolate chip cookies |

1.      Khatta Dhokla dominant flavour of this traditional khatta dhokla and this sourness is brought about by adding a little sour curds.

2.      Baby Corn Fritters Crunchy and tasty, these perfectly golden-coloured Baby Corn Fritters are a sight to behold and a treat to bite into!

3.      Besan Masala Peanuts flavoured in different ways – in the North, they are made with a slightly tangy flavour, while in the South it is more of spice than tang, but irrespective of the seasoning.

4.      Potato Kathi Roll mouth-watering recipe originated as a good way to use up left-over chapatis which were warmed in ghee or butter and rolled up with a spicy vegetable mixture with a sprinkling of chaat masala.

5.      Murukku crunchy delicacy made with rice and urad dal flours is an exciting treat that will be loved by all, especially thanks to the peppy aroma and flavour imparted by sesame and asafoetida.

6.      Paneer Pakoda moist and soft on inside and crisp outside, unlike other pakora’s. paneer pakoda is made with simple and basic ingredients that are easily available in every household.

Baking soda is a natural tenderiser. Thus, it can be added to soaked beans etc. before pressure cooking. Baking soda quickens the cooking process.

• As a leavening agent, it is used in baking. Baked recipes leavened using baking soda usually have a lighter crumb and show signs of aeration (in form of tiny holes) because of the escape of carbon dioxide.

• A pinch of soda added to tomato sauce while cooking helps reduce acidity.

• It is added in Gujarati snacks like dhokla, muthia etc.

How to store Baking Soda

Store in an airtight container in a cool and dry place.

Health Benefits of Baking Soda

• Since it is an acid neutraliser, it is used in various first aid applications. It can soothe discomforts arising from sunburns.

• Bee stings can be eased using a paste of baking soda and cold water.