Tag Archives: protein recipes

  • 17
    Jun 16
  • 2

Pongal/Khichdi (Indian Lentil and Rice Risotto)

Category:Healthy Indian Recipes,Indian Dietitian Online,Recipes-Healthy Breakfast Tags : 

Pongal is both a festival as well as a dish. In Tamil Nadu (a state in South India)it is the “harvest festival” and the dish is made on this day(I suspect, that is why they both share the same name)! There are actually two versions to this dish-the sweet one(sakkarai pongal) and the spicy one(khara pongal).
As a kid I would insist that my mom made only the sweet pongal(blame my sweet tooth for it) and subsequently, I almost forgot what the spicy version tasted like.It was much later when I started my career as a Dietitian,that I was re-introduced to the khara pongal, as it was on the breakfast menu for the patients.Again, having rice for breakfast was new to me and I tried my best to avoid it for a while.Then my seniors decided that they had to make me try it, and one fine morning(I still remember that it was a cold, rainy, Friday morning) I was ordered to taste it.So,there was me,squirming in my seat when the cook brought me a tasting cup of steaming hot pongal and another cup of raitha. Duty called(it was a rule that the dietitians had to taste the food before it could be sent to the patients) and so I took the spoon and dipped it into the cup and took a little(I was after all JUST tasting) and tasted it-and my,my, it was the tastiest pongal I had eaten. I ended up finishing the whole cup(even though I had eaten a substantial breakfast at home) and have ever since become a pongal fan!! After that I would bug mom to make the khara pongal at regular intervals.
The recipe is quite easy and if you want to up the nutritional value,you could add your favourite veggies to this rice+lentil dish.The cook at the hospital even shared a secret(that even my mom didn’t know)-just before serving the dish,mix a cup of hot milk for a nice flavour(and for some added calcium indeed)!! Vegans can omit the milk.
Ingredients for Khara Pongal/Khichdi: (Serves 3)

  • Rice:1/2 cup
  • Split mung dal: 1/2 cup
  • Green chillies: 1 or two(slit lengthwise)
  • Ginger:1″ piece(chopped fine)
  • Turmeric:1/2 teaspoon
  • Milk:1 cup(optional)
  • Mustard seeds:1/2teaspoon
  • Zeera/Cumin seeds:1 teaspoon
  • Urad dal(dehusked and split black matpe bean)-1/2 teaspoon
  • Chana dal/Bengal gram dal: 1 teaspoon
  • Peppercorns: 5-6
  • Curry leaves:3-4
  • Oil: 1 teaspoon
  • Salt: to taste

Method:

  1. Wash the rice and mung dal separately and let it soak in water for 10-15 mins.
  2. In the meanwhile,heat the oil in a pressure cooker, then add the mustard,cumin seeds,urad dal, chana dal, and peppercorns.
  3. When the mustard starts to sputter,add the curry leaves, the chopped ginger and the turmeric.
  4. Stir the ginger till it turns slightly brown,then add the chopped onions and the green chillies. Fry till the onions are translucent.
  5. Drain the water from the mung and rice,add the mung dal and saute for 2-3 mins on medium heat. Then add the rice and again stir for a minute.
  6. Add a little more than 3 cups of water and salt, mix and close the lid of the pressure cooker and let it cook for about 3 whistles. (If you have a rice cooker,then transfer the contents to a rice cooker and cook till the rice and dal are well cooked).
  7. Once it is done,mix well (the dal should be completely mashed).
  8. Just before serving mix the hot milk(optional, and check for salt) and serve piping hot with either raitha or chutney(we ate it with the tomatilla chutney ).
  • 29
    May 16
  • 0

Chicken Saagwala /Palak (Spinach) Chicken

Category:Healthy Indian Recipes,Indian Dietitian Online,Lunch Box Recipes Healthy Indian,Recipes- Side Dish Tags : 

Palak chicken or Chicken saagwala is a not just a great tasting dish but the addition of greens(spinach) increases the nutrient content of the dish. Palak is loaded with fiber, vitamins and minerals and is also:

  • low in calories
  • good source of iron, but to be absorbed by the body you need to team it with a source of vitamin C (like squeezing a dash of lime over the dish, or having a citrus fruit after your meal).

Ingredients for Chicken Saagwala: Serves 4

  • Chicken: 800 gms (with bones or boneless)
  • Palak (spinach): 1 big bunch ( washed, blanched and pureed)
  • Onion: 1 big (cubed)
  • Tomatoes: 3 medium (cubed)
  • Ginger: 1″ (grated)
  • Garlic: 3-4nos.(chopped)
  • Green chili: 1-2 nos. (use more if you want it spicier)
  • Red chili powder: 2 tsp
  • Coriander powder: 1tbsp
  • Cumin powder: 1/2 tsp
  • Garam masala: 1 tsp
  • Bay leaf: 1 no.
  • Pepper corns: 3-4nos.
  • Oil: 2tsp
  • Salt: to taste

Method:

  1. Heat one teaspoon oil in a kadai ,add the onions and green chillies and stir fry till translucent.
  2. Add the ginger and garlic and fry for another minute, then add the tomatoes and stir till the tomatoes are cooked.
  3. Switch off and cool. Once cooled, puree in a blender.
  4. Heat another teaspoon of oil in the kadai, add the cumin seeds, bay leaf and pepper corns.
  5. Add the tomato+onion puree, the spice powders(red chili, coriander, cumin, garam masala) and fry till the raw smell disappears and the oil leaves the sides.
  6. Add salt and the chicken pieces and fry for 2-3 minutes.
  7. Add the palak puree, mix well and cover and cook on low flame till the chicken is cooked.
  8. Serve hot garnished with rice and dal or roti.

Note: If you want it a little creamier, then mix a tablespoon of whole wheat flour(atta) in 1/2 cup milk and add this mixture after you add the palak puree (step 7), mix well and then cover and cook.

Palak Chicken

Chicken Saagwala /Palak Chicken 

 

 

  • 29
    May 16
  • 2

Paneer Butter Masala (Healthy version)

Category:Healthy Indian Recipes,Indian Dietitian Online,Recipes- Side Dish Tags : 

Love the taste of Butter masala, but dread the loads of butter that goes into it? Fikar not-here is a low-butter version which cuts down the calories of this dish drastically without altering the taste too much (yes-it doesn’t taste like the restaurant version, simply because it’s not dripping with butter).

The trick here is to make the dish with less oil/butter and then add extra butter just before serving.

Panner butter masala-low fat

Paneer Butter Masala (low fat)

Ingredients for Paneer Butter Masala (low-fat): Serves 6

  • Paneer: 500gms (cut into cubes),
  • Tomatoes: 3 medium (cubed)
  • Onion: 1 big (cubed)
  • Ginger: 1″
  • Garlic: 2-3 (chopped)
  • Green chili-1 no. (or as per taste)
  • Red chili powder: 1-2 tsp (add more if you want it spicier)
  • Coriander powder: 1 tbsp,
  • Cumin powder: 1tsp
  • Garam masala: 1/2 tsp
  • Bay leaf: 1 no.
  • Cumin seeds: 1 tsp
  • Turmeric: 1/2 tsp
  • Milk: 1/2 cup
  • Coriander leaves: 2tbsp (chopped)
  • Oil: 2tsp
  • Butter: 1-2 tsp
  • Salt: to taste

Method:

  1. Heat one teaspoon oil in a kadai, add the cubed onions, slit green chili and stir-fry till the onions turn translucent.
  2. Add the grated ginger and the chopped garlic and stir fry for a minute, then add the tomatoes and cook stirring occasionally till the tomatoes are cooked.
  3. Switch off and let it cool. Once cooled, put the contents into a blender and blend till you get a fine puree.
  4. Heat another teaspoon of oil in the kadai, once hot add the cumin seeds (jeera), bay leaf and turmeric powder.
  5. Add the puree, and spice powders (red chili, coriander, cumin, garam masala) and cook on medium flame stirring constantly till the oil leaves the sides.
  6. Lower the flame and pour the milk to the cooked tomato+onion puree stirring constantly till it starts to boil.
  7. Add the salt and the paneer pieces and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
  8. While serving, mix the butter and then top with chopped coriander leaves.
  9. Serve hot with roti or rice.

  • 27
    May 16
  • 0

Kadhi(Yogurt curry)

Category:Healthy Indian Recipes,Indian Dietitian Online,Recipes- Side Dish Tags : 

Kadhi is one of our favourite dishes, and something which reminds my hubby of his mother’s cooking(which is a HUGE compliment)! It’s a quick dish and I usually make it on days when I have to cook in a rush. It’s a combination of curd(yogurt) and chikpea/gram flour,which means nutritionally it’s loaded with calcium(yogurt) and protein(gramflour) . The actual Indian recipe has ‘Pakoda’ (a deep fried item made with a combination of gramflour,onions,chillies) but you could however,add the Nucchina Unde/Steamed lentil ball,the recipe was sent to me by my friend Suma. These could be added to the gravy,just before serving.

Kadhi(Yogurt curry):Serves 4
Ingredients:

  • Curd/Yogurt: 2 cups
  • Besan/gram/chickpea flour: 2 tablespoons(make a smooth paste with cold water)
  • Ginger+garlic paste: 1 teaspoon
  • Mustard seeds: 1/2 teaspoon
  • Jeera/Cumin seeds: 1/2 teaspoon
  • Methi/fenugreek seeds: 1/4th teaspoon
  • Hing/asafoetida: a pinch
  • Turmeric: 1/4th teaspoon
  • Coriander/Cilantro leaves: 2 tablespoons(finely chopped)
  • Salt: to taste
  • Oil: 1teaspoon
  • Water:2-3 cups

Method:

  1. Heat the oil in a non-stick kadai/wok.
  2. Add the mustard,cumin and fenugreek seeds. When the mustard starts to pop,add the turmeric,hing and the ginger+garlic paste.
  3. Fry for a minute and then add the curd and stir for another minute.
  4. Add the besan/chickpea paste and 2-3 cups of water,salt and stir.
  5. Cook till it starts to boil.
  6. Garnish with chopped coriander leaves.
  7. Serve hot with rice.

Note:I add the pakode( fried chickpea flour batter fritters) or steamed lentil dumplings or sometimes falafel after cooking the kadhi so that it doesn’t break. 

  • 25
    May 16
  • 0

Kadale Manoli (Tendli/Kovakkai with brown channa)

Category:Healthy Indian Recipes,Indian Dietitian Online,Recipes- Side Dish Tags : 

Another favorite Mangalorean recipe is the Manoli Kadle-made with Ivy Gourd(tondekai) called ‘Manoli’ in Tulu (one of the languages spoken in Mangalore) ‘tondli‘ in Marathi, ‘tendli‘ in Konkani ‘tindora‘ in Hindi and ‘kovakkai’ in Tamil. ‘Kadle’ is the brown channa/kala channa (brown garbanzo beans) that is traditionally used but you could substitute it with kabuli channa (chickpeas/garbanzo beans) if you don’t have the brown variety.
Ingredients for Kadale Manoli:(serves 4)

  • Brown/kala channa:3/4th cup soaked overnight and pressure cooked till soft (Don’t throw away the extra water after pressure cooking-it is used for making kala channa rasam)
  • Tondli-250gms(cut into long strips or thin rings)
  • Grated coconut-2 tbsp.
  • Red chilly powder-2-3 tsp( or according to your spice tolerance)
  • Coriander powder: 1 tsp
  • Turmeric: 1/2 tsp
  • Garlic: 2 big/ 4-5 small(peeled and smashed just before adding to tadka/tempering)
  • Tamarind paste-1/4tsp
  • Mustard seeds: 1tsp
  • Urad dal: 1tsp
  • Curry leaves-10
  • Hing/Asafoetida -a pinch
  • Dry red chillies: 1-2(broken into half)
  • Salt: to taste
  • Oil: 2 tsp

Method:

  1. Heat the oil is a non-stick pan, add the mustard seeds, urad dal and let the mustard pop.
  2. Add the broken dry chillies, curry leaves and then the smashed garlic. Saute till the garlic gets a slight brown color.
  3. Add the turmeric, hing and the chopped tondli and fry for 5 minutes.
  4. Add the cooked channa, red chilli powder, coriander powder, salt and about 1/2-1 cup water.
  5. Cover and cook till the tondli is soft,then add the tamarind paste. Mix and let the water evaporate.
  6. Add the grated coconut and mix.
  7. Serve the manoli kadle with hot rasam (recipe in my next post) and rice.

Note:
1)You can also use the dry dessicated (unsweetened) coconut available at grocery stores. Rehydrate it by adding it to hot water for 5 minutes. Strain and then add.
2) Use extra water when you pressure cook the kala channa-then drain the water and you can make rasam with it.
The manoli kadle, and the kala channa rasam combo goes together and is eaten with rice.

Click here for the Kala Channa Rasam Recipe

Kadale Manoli and kala channa rasam

Kadale Manoli and kala channa rasam

  • 23
    May 16
  • 0

Hariyali Chicken Tangdi/ Kebab

Category:Healthy Indian Recipes,Indian Dietitian Online,Recipes-Healthy Appetizer Tags : 

If you love chicken kebabs, then this is one finger-licking recipe! I love the taste of coriander leaves with ginger+garlic and green chilies and combined with chicken it just tastes yummy.

As a dietitian I love this as this makes a healthy recipe considering:

  1. there is very little oil
  2. the addition of greens (coriander and mint) increases the iron, fibre and antioxidant content of the dish.
  3. it’s a protein dish (and hence tends to keep you full for a longer period) and makes for a great appetizer.

Ingredients for Hariyali Chicken Tangdi: Serves 4

  • Chicken drumsticks: 8 nos.
  • Coriander leaves (cilantro):1 big bunch
  • Mint leaves (optional): 6-8nos.
  • Garlic: 8-10 cloves
  • Green chilies: 2-3 nos. (add more if you like it hot)
  • Salt: to taste
  • Curd/yogurt: 3-4tbsp
  • Ginger+garlic paste: 2tsp
  • Red chili powder: 2tsp (add more if you like it hot)
  • Coriander powder: 1 tbsp
  • Cumin powder: 1tsp
  • Garam masala: 1tsp
  • Oil: 2tsp
  • Lemon juice: 3tsp

Method:

  1. Remove the skin from the drumsticks, make horizontal slits with a sharp knife.
  2. Make a first marinade with ginger+garlic paste, salt, lemon juice, and the spice powders(red chili, cumin, coriander, garam masala). Taste for salt.
  3. Work the marinade well into the drumsticks and leave aside while you make the second marinade ready.
  4. Put the yogurt, salt,coriander leaves, mint leaves, garlic and green chilies and grind to a fine paste (do not add any water if possible). Check for salt.
  5. Add the second marinade and the oil to the drumsticks. Rub it well into the slits.
  6. Let it marinade in the fridge preferably overnight or for at least 2-3 hours.
  7. Preheat the oven to 180C (350F).
  8. Place the drumsticks on a baking tray and bake for 30-35 mins turning once halfway through.
  9. Remove from the oven. You can sprinkle a little chaat masala (optional)
  10. Serve with mint chutney (or mint-yogurt dip), raw onions and lemon slices.

Note:

  • You can make kebabs with breast pieces if you wish. Vegetarians can use paneer instead of chicken.
  • If you like it mild-you can reduce the green chilis.
  • If you want a darker green colour-then you can add some palak(spinach leaves) along with the coriander and mint leaves (when making the second marinade).
  • 19
    May 16
  • 3

Mixed dal dosa/ Adai (Mixed lentils and rice crêpe)

Category:Healthy Indian Recipes,Indian Dietitian Online,Lunch Box Recipes Healthy Indian,Recipes-Healthy Breakfast Tags : 

Mixed dal Dosa/ Adai

Protein is in vogue-and why not. It high protein foods keep you feeling full for a longer period of time and also don’t raise your blood sugars like carbohydrates do. I believe in moderation and thus try to include more protein in my diet and reduce the amount of carbs without totally giving it up.
I was craving for some crispy dosas as I hadn’t made them in a long time. But,with the weather no longer conducive for fermenting the batter, I had to think of something which didn’t need fermenting. That’s when my mom suggested the mixed dal dosa-or “Adai” as it’s called in Tamil Nadu. Mom suggested soaking equal quantities of all the dals/split lentils that I had at home along with equal amounts of rice.
What I love about this dosa is because there is more dal (protein) when compared to the rice(carbs), this dosa is more filling and you end up eating less dosas than the regular dosa.
There are so many different recipes for this mixed dal dosa/ Adai,but here’s how I made it(with whatever ingredients were available at home last night):

Mixed dals

Ingredients for Mixed Dal Dosa/Adai: (Serves 4)

  • Raw rice: 1/2 cup
  • Channa dal: 1/2 cup
  • Urad dal(split black matpe beans): 1/2 cup
  • Mung dal: 1/2 cup
  • Masoor dal(pink lentil): 1/2 cup
  • Tur dal
  • Cooked rice OR beaten rice(poha): 1/2 cup
  • Methi seeds: 2tsp
  • Ginger: 1″ piece (optional)
  • Dry red chillies: 4-5 (or to taste)
  • Salt: to taste
  • Water: 1 cup

Method:

  1. Soak all the dals and the raw rice for at least 4-6 hours.
  2. Grind all the ingredients together with a cup of water till you get a fine paste ( pancake batter consistency). If using beaten rice/poha-soak it for 15 minutes before grinding.
  3. Pour a ladle of the batter on a hot ‘tawa’ or non-stick pan,and spread into a thin dosa.
  4. Cover for a minute,then carefully flip it over to cook the other side.
  5. Serve the mixed dal dosa/ Adai piping hot with chutney and/or sambar.

Adai (Dal dosa)

Mixed Dal Dosa (Adai)

Indian Dietitian Online

  • 17
    May 16
  • 0

Besan Dosa/ Besan Chila (How to make chickpea flour crepes/pancakes)

Category:Healthy Indian Recipes,Indian Dietitian Online,Lunch Box Recipes Healthy Indian,Recipes-Healthy Breakfast,Recipes-Snacks/Dips Tags : 

Besan Dosa/ Besan Chila (Chickpea Flour Crepes)

Besan or chickpea flour or gram flour is a great source of fiber, is GLUTEN FREE and can be helpful in lowering cholesterol and blood sugars.

When I was growing up in Bombay,Besan dosa was a very popular dish in most Udupi restaurants and was even sometimes called “Vegetarian Omelet”. Besan dosa was also sold as a filling inside sandwiches which were named “Veggie omelet sandwich”! Funnily enough,I hated them at that time and preferred my regular ‘egg omelet’ to the veggie omelet. Finally,one day I tried it out and to my amazement, loved it(thankfully it was appreciated by hubby and little brat) and so now it’s a regular feature at home. Make sure you use a good non-stick pan when you make this-that way,you won’t need to use a lot of oil.

Besan or Chickpea flour is a high fibre, high protein, gluten free flour which is made from garbanzo/chickpeas. Being high in fibre, it can be helpful for lowering blood sugar levels and cholesterol.

Here is a quick and easy recipe that can be had for breakfast or even lunch/dinner:

Ingredients for Besan Dosa/Chila (Chickpea flour crepes):Serves 4

  • Besan/Gramflour/Chickpea flour: 2 cups
  • Rice flour: 2 tbsp (optional)
  • Onion:1/2 small(finely chopped)
  • Tomatoes:1 small(finely chopped)
  • Green chillies:1-2(finely chopped)
  • Corriander leaves/Cilantro: 2 tablespoon,finely chopped
  • Grated zucchini/ bottlegourd: 1/2 cup (optional)
  • Hing/asafoetida: a pinch
  • Turmeric powder: 1/4th teaspoon
  • Jeera/Cummin seeds:1/2 tsp
  • Baking soda: 1/2 tsp (optional)
  • Salt:to taste
  • Oil/Butter/Ghee: to grease the pan

Method:

  1. Mix all the ingredients.
  2. Add enough water to make a batter of dosa/pancake consistency. If adding zucchini/bottlegourd, you may need less water as the bottlegourd/zucchini will leave some of its moisture.
  3. Spread the oil on a non-stick pan on medium flame.
  4. Pour a ladle of the batter and spread like a dosa. Cover for a 3-4 minutes.
  5. Then,flip the dosa over to the other side and cook for another 1-2 minutes.Make sure not to burn them.
  6. Serve the besan dosa hot with mint,ketchup or a spicy chutney.

Indian Dietitian Online

  • 17
    May 16
  • 0

Cabbage and Soya chunks sabzi (How to make Cabbage and soya nuggets sabzi)

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Cabbage is rich in vitamins C,K B1, B5 , B6 as well as manganese, iron ,phosphorus, calcium and fiber. Research has shown that the antioxidants present in cabbage could reduce the prevent certain types of cancer and also help in lowering cholesterol levels.

For those who don’t have time making two separate dishes-one for protein and another vegetable dish, this recipe makes it easier by combining the vegetable and protein in one dish!

DSC_2566

Cabbage and Soya Nuggets Sabzi

Ingredients for Cabbage and Soya chunks sabzi:

  • Cabbage: 250gms (finely chopped)
  • Soya nuggets/chunks- 100gms
  • Onion- 1 medium (finely chopped)
  • Tomatoes- 2 medium (finely chopped)
  • Garlic-2-3 nos (finely chopped)
  • Garlic-1/2 inch (grated)
  • Red chili powder- 1tsp (or as per your spice tolerance)
  • Coriander powder- 2tsp
  • Cumin powder-1tsp
  • Garam masala- 1/2 tsp
  • Mustard seeds-1/2 tsp
  • Cumin seeds- 1tsp
  • Hing(asafoetida) -a pinch (optional)
  • Turmeric powder-1/2 tsp
  • Curry leaves-3-4 (Optional)
  • Coriander leaves-4 tbsp (chopped)
  • Salt-to taste
  • Oil-2tsp

Method:

  1. Boil water in a saucepan, add some salt to it. Switch off the heat-add the soya chunks into the boiling water, mix well, cover and let it stand for 10mins. Strain out the soya chunks and squeeze out the water and keep aside.
  2. Heat the oil in a non-stick kadai, add the mustard seeds, cumin seeds.
  3. When it starts to pop, add the curry leaves, hing, turmeric powder and then the chopped onions.
  4. When the onions starts turning translucent, add the garlic and ginger. Fry till the onions brown a bit.
  5. Add the tomatoes, the red chili powder, coriander powder, cumin powder, garam masala and salt and cook till the tomatoes are mushy.
  6. Add the soya chunks and mix, then add the chopped cabbage,mix well so that the masala coats the cabbage.
  7. Reduce flame to low, cover and cook, stirring occasionally till the cabbage is cooked.
  8. Garnish with chopped coriander leaves.
  9. Serve with roti or as a side with dal and chawal.

Note:

You can substitute soya chunks with any pulse (kabuli channa, kala channa, rajma, cannelloni beans, etc) to increase the protein content of the dish.

Cabbage and Soya Chunks Sabzi

Indian Dietitian Online

  • 29
    Jan 16
  • 0

Savory French Toast Indian Style (Spicy Masala Egg Toast)

Category:Healthy Indian Recipes,Indian Dietitian Online,Recipes-Healthy Breakfast Tags : 

Savory French Toast Indian Style (Spicy Masala Egg Toast)

For those don’t like to eat a sweet breakfast, here is a savoury version of the French Toast-totally Indian Style! The Masala Egg Toast.

Savoury French Toast (Indian Style Masala Egg Toast):
Ingredients: (Serves 4)

  • Whole Wheat Bread-8 nos.
  • Egg-4 nos
  • Onion- 1 medium (finely chopped)
  • Tomato(optional)- 1 small (finely chopped)
  • Cilantro- 3tbsp (finely chopped)
  • Red chili powder- 1/2- 1 tsp (or as per your heat tolerance)
  • Coriander powder- 1 tsp
  • Cumin powder-1/2 tsp
  • Turmeric-1/2 tsp
  • Milk-3 tbsp (or water)
  • Salt: to taste
  • Oil: 3 tsp
Method:
  1. Break the eggs into a bowl, add the spice powders, salt and milk (or water) and mix well.
  2. Pour a little onto a flat saucer.
  3. Heat a tsp of oil in a non-stick sauce pan.
  4. Dip the bread into the egg mixture on both sides, then place into the pan one by one.
  5. Sprinkle with the onion,tomato and cilantro on the top and flip carefully and cook till done on both sides.
  6. Repeat for the rest.
  7. Serve the savoury French Toast hot with ketchup or chutney(optional).

Note:
You could replace the spices (red chili, cumin, coriander powder)with green chilies.

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