A sudden gas shortage or an empty cylinder does not have to mean takeaway or a hungry family. With a few smart tools and some simple planning, you can cook a complete meal of rice, dal, a vegetable dish and even roti without a single flame from an LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) stove.
Use a Portable Wood Stove
A portable wood stove, often sold as a chulha or biomass stove, is one of the most practical backups. Several compact wood and charcoal stoves are listed on Amazon, including lightweight smokeless biomass models and sturdy iron sigdi stoves. They burn twigs, dry wood or charcoal, and they are easy to carry. Use one only in an open or well ventilated space such as a balcony, terrace or courtyard, and keep it away from anything flammable.
Try an Induction Cooktop
If your home has electricity, an induction cooktop is the fastest replacement for a gas burner. It heats quickly, boils water in minutes and handles curries, frying and tadka well. Remember to use flat bottomed steel or iron cookware.
Let an Electric Rice Cooker Do the Work
A rice cooker is more than a rice maker. You can cook khichuri, pulao or even steamed vegetables and eggs in it. Add the rice, dal, chopped vegetables, salt and water, press the button and walk away.
Cook in an Electric Kettle or Air Fryer
An electric kettle can boil water for instant noodles, oats, poha or soaked dal. An air fryer or microwave can roast vegetables, bake potatoes and make quick snacks without any gas.
A Simple Full Meal Plan Without Gas
- Breakfast: Oats or poha with hot water from the kettle
- Lunch: Rice cooker khichuri with boiled eggs
- Dinner: Induction cooked dal, a quick sabzi and roti on a tawa
Safety Tips You Should Not Skip
Never use a charcoal or wood stove inside a closed room, because it can release carbon monoxide, a harmful gas. Keep water nearby, place the stove on a stable and flat surface, and let ashes cool fully before disposing of them.
Final Thoughts
Running out of LPG is stressful, but your kitchen does not have to shut down. A portable wood stove for outdoor cooking, plus an induction cooktop or rice cooker for indoor use, can keep your family well fed until the next cylinder arrives.
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