Kitchen Science, Honestly

Baking Soda vs Baking Powder vs Eno in Desi Cooking Explained (Video)

2:48 min

Read the full written guide: Baking Soda vs Baking Powder vs Eno in Desi Cooking Explained →

We break down the differences between baking soda, baking powder and Eno for Indian recipes. Learn which leavener to use for dhokla, pakora, bhatura and cake, and how to test their freshness. The video also clears common myths about aluminium, sodium and health, and gives a quick safety checklist. All advice is for cooking, not medical use.

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Transcript

Did you know a teaspoon of baking soda packs 1,200 mg of sodium?

Did you know a teaspoon of baking soda packs 1,200 mg of sodium?

Soda, Powder, Eno

In this video we’ll sort out soda, powder and Eno for desi recipes, and I’ll reveal the one trick that keeps your batter light every time.

The chemistry in plain words

A base, which is baking soda, meets an acid and they fizz out carbon dioxide. Those tiny bubbles get trapped, and when heat sets the dough you end up with a light, spongy texture instead of a heavy one.

Eno is a stopwatch

Eno works like a timer, the moment you stir it in, the reaction starts and the fizz runs out in seconds.

Which leavener for which dish

Khaman dhokla: whisk besan, water, lemon juice and a pinch of soda, the acid is already in. Pakora: no leavener, just hot oil and a little rice flour for crunch. Bhatura: mix soda and powder for airy fried puffs. Sponge cake: use powder; add soda only if dahi is in the batter.

Substitutions

Out of baking powder? Swap each teaspoon with a quarter teaspoon soda plus half a teaspoon lemon juice or some dahi. No Eno for dhokla? Use half a teaspoon soda and a teaspoon lemon juice at the end. No soda? Use three times the powder amount and reduce the acid a bit.

The fizz check

Quick fizz test: stir half a teaspoon of powder into hot water, strong bubbles mean it’s fresh. Drop a quarter teaspoon soda into vinegar or lemon juice; it should bubble right away. A pinch of Eno in water should fizz hard; clumps mean it’s old.

Sodium per tsp

A single teaspoon of baking soda carries roughly 1,200 milligrams of sodium, over half the daily limit for most adults.

Powder shelf life

Baking powder usually stays effective for six to twelve months after opening, while soda can last much longer if kept dry.

Health myths & safety

Aluminium-based acids may give a faint metallic taste but don’t make food healthier. If you have high blood pressure, heart or kidney issues, or are pregnant with swelling, ask a doctor before using Eno as an antacid and count the sodium from soda and powder. Keep these agents away from children and see a doctor for persistent acidity or other serious symptoms.

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Read the full guide

The full guide is on thecareonline.com. General information only, so check with your doctor for your own case.

Nothing on The Care Online is medical advice. Traditional practices are described as tradition, not as fact. Take a persistent or serious concern to a qualified professional. See how videos and posts are made on our methodology page.