Pankaj Bhadouria, the celebrated MasterChef winner, is now one of India’s most popular culinary experts. Through social media and YouTube, she not only shares innovative and delicious recipes but also offers practical kitchen hacks that make everyday cooking simpler. While the kitchen may look like an easy place to work, it often comes with challenges and time-consuming tasks. Small tips and tricks can help improve efficiency, enhance flavors, and save time. Here are five useful hacks shared by Chef Pankaj Bhadouria that can transform the way you work in your kitchen.

Kitchen hacks can make cooking faster, cleaner, and much more manageable. In today’s busy lifestyle, little time-saving tricks can make a big difference. Let’s look at five such smart hacks.

1. How to remove bad odors from the refrigerator
   If your fridge starts smelling due to leftover food or spoiled items, Pankaj Bhadouria suggests a simple solution. First, clean the refrigerator thoroughly. Then place a small bowl filled with one to one-and-a-half teaspoons of baking soda inside. Baking soda naturally absorbs unpleasant odors and keeps the fridge fresh.

2. What to do if a kachori tears?
   Kachoris are a staple during festive meals, but even a small tear can cause the entire batch to absorb oil. To fix this, take a pinch of dry flour and seal the torn area. Prepare a thick paste of flour and water and apply it over the tear. Let it dry for two minutes and then fry. Your kachori will not leak oil.

3. How to fix a jammed mixer jar?
   If your mixer’s blade gets stuck, apply mustard oil inside the blade area and petroleum jelly around the outside. Then, heat the jar upside down on low flame for a few minutes. This loosens the blade and helps the jar work smoothly again.

4. Cleaning wooden utensils the right way
   Regular soap and water aren’t always enough to clean wooden kitchen tools because they absorb grease and spices. Over time, this can cause dirt buildup and even bacteria. To deep-clean wooden utensils, boil them in water for 5–7 minutes, rinse, dry thoroughly, and then apply a little mustard oil. This keeps them clean and well-maintained.

5. Tips for making soft, perfect parathas
   To prevent parathas from tearing, knead the dough slightly soft. Ensure the stuffing isn’t too moist. Instead of aggressively rolling with a rolling pin, gently stretch the dough using your fingers and thumb while filling it. After sealing the stuffing inside, roll lightly. This helps make perfectly cooked parathas without cracks.