Desi food is known to be spicy, flavorful, and delicious. However, these dishes that we love so very much can also be oily, fatty, and very rich. Keep reading to discover desi dishes that will help you maintain your waistline and not clog your arteries.
Chana Chaat
Chana chaat is a healthy and nutritious desi dish that doesn’t need many alterations to be guilt free. Follow this healthy chana chaat to satisfy all your chatpata cravings. Read the recipe here.
Daal
Daal is already healthy as it is – lentils include beneficial nutrients like fiber, protein, minerals and vitamins, while still being low in calories and contain virtually no fat. However, some Pakistani’s over do their daal with heavy tadka. Follow this simple recipe and ditch the oil tadka.
Tandoori Chicken
Tandoori chicken is not oil based which makes it relatively healthier than other desi dishes. If your marinade does not contain too much butter or oil it can be very hearty and full of protein. Check out this healthy tandoori chicken recipe.
Chai Popsicles
If you want to treat yourself to some dessert, but at the same time want to be healthy, try out these super easy chai popsicles.
Ingredients:
- Chai
- Honey
Method:
Make the chai however you please. You can use half milk and half water or you can brew the chai and add milk or milk powder. (The chai can even be replaced with doodh paati) Sweeten it with honey and pour it into popsicle containers. Freeze overnight and enjoy.
Chickpea Curry
Chickpeas are an excellent source of protein, healthy fats, fiber, carbohydrates, and a long list of vitamins and minerals. Cholay curry is a favorite amongst us desis – and if made without too much butter and oil it can very nutritious. This recipe for healthy cholay is something you will want to add to your recipe book. Check it out here.
Biryani
The dish we all know and love. While biryani may be your greatest weakness – it can be very unhealthy depending on how it was made. Switch out the white rice for boiled brown rice or try out this low-fat chicken biryani recipe.
Kebabs
Kebabs are very easy to render to make healthy. You can replace the meat in the kebabs with your choice of protein – chicken, tofu, turkey, mutton, or beef. Keep the oil content low and you will be completely guilt free. Check out this delicious lamb seekh kebab recipe here.
Fruit Chaat
Fruit chaat is a very popular dish all around the world and it’s very easy to make. To make a healthy fruit chaat – chop up a variety of fruit of your preference. Add it all to a bowl and add some freshly squeezed orange juice with some chaat masala. Enjoy!
Mutton Karahi
Mutton Karahi is a household favorite – To make it healthier, replace the cooking oil with coconut oil and reduce it by half. We found a great recipe that is easy to make and uses healthy ingredients. Follow the recipe here.
Desi Salad
If you’re on a diet or just want to be healthier, try making this salad for your lunch or dinner for a great source of vitamins and protein.
Ingredients:
- 3 peeled carrots
- 2 tomatoes
- 1 cucumber
- 1 bunch of radishes
- 200 grams lettuce
- 2 small green chillis
- 1 small mango
- 4 tsp olive oil
- 1 cup tandoori chicken (shredded or diced)
For the dressing:
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/2 cup non-fat yogurt
- salt and pepper
- pinch of chaat masala
Method:
Chop all the vegetables. Toss into a bowl with the olive oil and chicken. For the dressing – add all the ingredients into a bowl and mix together. Pour dressing over the salad and enjoy.
Fish Curry
Fish is a high-protein, low-fat meat that has a variety of benefits. White-fleshed fish is lower in fat than any other animal protein – whereas oily fish is high in omega-3 fatty acids. Fish curry is a popular desi dish that can be rendered to be healthier. Try out this oil-free fish curry recipe.
Try out these healthy recipes of popular desi food – and let us know what you think!