Pic/Sayyed Sameer Abedi

It's that time of the year when you want to tuck into meals that are light on the stomach. And if you happen to be an omnivore who doesnt want to forego meat (we plead guilty), chef Vinod Garde, corporate chef, Sid Hospitality has an answer. Sear your meat. "It is a method by which the surface of the food (usually meat, poultry or fish) is cooked at high temperature until a caramelised crust forms. It is an easy way to make meals tempting without using much oil. It lends a depth and complexity of flavour," he says. According to Garde, the technique is best to create grilled meals as it keeps it light and fresh. In fact, if you want to create a full meal, all you have to do is add vegetables or toss some rice that can be cooked along with the meats.