What is a katori?

The katori as a portion guide

Because nearly every Indian meal is served in katoris, they make a handy everyday portion guide that's far more practical than weighing food. Many diet plans, including ours, describe servings in katoris, such as:

• one katori of dal
• half a katori of rice

Portion size matters because the amount you serve yourself is usually the amount you eat, and bigger helpings add calories you may not need.

Using a katori at home

Measure your own katori once with a measuring cup so you know what one katori means in your kitchen.

Habits that help:

• Serve food into katoris at the table rather than eating straight from the pot.
• Use smaller bowls and plates, which can help you eat less without feeling deprived.
• Eat slowly, because it can take around 15 minutes for your brain to register that you're full.
• Use your katoris to fill more of the thali with dal, sabzi and dahi and less with rice.