This gluten-free grain is a staple in Asia and India. As gluten-free food demand is on the rise, millet is now hero in western countries. Step back on processed foods marketed as gluten-free. They either lack key nutrients or loaded with chemicals. A variety of millets are available. They can be cooked like rice, pasta or to a creamy texture like grits. Whichever fits your preference and diet. From any of your favorite rice or pasta dish, safely substitute rice/pasta with millets. I made this dish with Proso millets. Proso millets in other languages is called Varigelu in telugu, Baragu in kannada, pain varagu in tamil, Cheena in bangali, Vari in marathi, cheno in gujarati, bachari bagmu in oriya… Though in Asia countries as India, China, Nepal etc millet is a common staple, for western countries, it is a bird food.
Whole Grain Dahi Vada with Homemade Yogurt
The soft vada soaked in creamy white dahi (curd) and topped with aromatic spices and chutney is a delight to the plate. I have given the recipe a healthy twist by using whole grain urad dal to make the vadas for added fiber. Furthermore, this is one of the most excellent low carb, no preservative recipes as I prefer to use unsweetened homemade yogurt. My favorite vegetarian, protein-packed, gluten-free snack. It is a snack in Indian cuisine, yet it fully qualifies as a light, healthy meal. Make a choice depending on your mood and how hungry you are for vadas. This is dahi vada is not only packed with protein, but it also has high calcium, fiber, vitamins, and active probiotics as well. Though vadas are fried, since they are dipped in water, some of the oil is separated. If you still want to make it an ultimate power nutrition meal, fry vadas in one of – coconut oil, peanut oil, sunflower oil, canola oil, vegetable oil. These oils have a high smoke point around 500f. Which means the oil doesn’t break down chemically and produce harmful radicals till it reaches that temperature.
I wonder many times that ancient Indian cooks have come up with such awesome homemade recipes without using any artificial flavors or stock. I feel responsible to preserve such recipes and pass on to next generations. If you agree with me, follow me, make as many recipes for our children and they will repeat.
Dahi Vada: Names & Nutrition
Dahi vada is known by various names across India such as- Dahi Vada (in Gujarati); Dahi Bhalla (in Punjabi); Doi Bora (in Bengali); Dahi bara (in Odiya); Dahi bada (in Rajasthan) and Thayir vadai (in South India).
Dahi vadas are packed with protein and calcium. They serve as a refreshingly savory energy booster during hot summer days. This is one of the low-fat Indian keto recipes which when had as an appetizer can save from over-eating. The recipe uses a lot of dahi, also called curd or yogurt. The curd is extremely beneficial for weight loss. Moreover, curd helps in digestion, enhances immunity, makes skin glow and aids in maintaining healthy bones & teeth. The vadas are made up of whole grains, and the dietary fiber present in whole grains help maintain good health.
Colocasia Stem Sauté
Around the world, almost 10% folks relish a wide assortment of Colocasia as a staple food. The leaves of this plant are quite popular while Colacasia stems are enjoyed by a very limited group of people. So please go ahead and relish this low carb, highly nutritious delicacy. This vegan Colacasia Stem Saute is a gluten-free recipe. It is a delicious Keto Indian curry benefiting the body tremendously for being highly fibrous and packed with nutrition.
Colocasia: How to Recognize it by Form and Name?
Colocasia plants also known as Elephant-ear plants because of their large leaves shaped like those of elephant’s ears. Unlike Alocasia, Colocasia leaves droop downwards.
Colocasia is called by a host of names in different Indian languages such as Taro, Arvi (Hindi name); Kachu (Bengali); Aaloo (Marathi); Sempu (Tamil); Chempu (Malayalam); Kesavedantu (Kannada); Pan (Manipuri) etc.
Turai, coconut chutney
Turai aka Ridge guard is well known in Asian countries, especially in India, China, Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Japan. All of these cuisines have such a unique way of transforming this plain tasting vegetable into something amazing. Today, I introduce you to South Indian state Telangana way of transforming turai (beerakaya) into an amazing chutney (beerakaya pachadi). Not a lot of non-Indians know about chutney. Not just Indians, but non-Indians can enjoy chutneys too. Chutneys are so versatile, they can be eaten with rice as South Indians do or use as condiments for sandwiches, burgers. It also can be used as pasta sauce. Vegans all over the world or those who are struggling to find delicious and tasty meatless recipes should know about chutneys. Also those looking for diabetic friendly recipes, low carb, low sugar recipes, chutneys are rejoiced. Chutneys are all-natural, clean, vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free and paleo. No regrets.
Lotus root curry in onion, poppy seed sauce
Yet another delicacy and an absolute Vegans and vegetarians heaven. Farmer’s market and local markets carry far more varieties of veggies than you think. Some are rarely found veggies. Lotus root one of them. It is found abundantly in summers. If you find one, don’t miss it. Lotus root is a versatile vegetable. You can make an appetizer, veggie taco, veggie bowl, saute or curry out of lotus root. Vegetables or Chicken simmered in gravy with spices is most commonly known Indian westerners. This time, cook with a twist by adding lotus root. Adopt ancient Indian clean recipes. Indian cuisine offers many dishes than just naan and chicken butter masala as most of westerns see in Indian restuarants. There are many vegan, vegetarian curries made of vivid ingredients.
Spaghetti squash noodles
Spaghetti squash, as the name suggests is spaghetti in a squash. You probably are wondering what is spaghetti in squash. This squash, when cooked, is transformed into spaghetti strands. This vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, paleo dish will be your most favorite dish. It is so much fun just to try. Not just spaghetti, you can make quite a variety of dishes with Spaghetti squash. Soups and stews, spaghetti over pasta sauces. Spaghetti squash is non-starchy and its flesh is yellow.
With cooked, spaghetti squash flesh falls away into strands which is very similar to spaghetti. These “spaghetti” strands are crisp and mildly sweet in flavor.
Radish, tomatillo panini with avocado yogurt spread
Supercharge your meal with this all natural ultimate low-calorie sandwich. Take these tips to enjoy your sandwich the healthy way. You don’t have to sacrifice taste or richness, just because it is all-natural, vegetarian and gluten-free. Fill half your plate fruits and vegetables and feel good about what you eat. You can make this all-natural, homemade vegetarian sandwich vegan. Remove yogurt or replace with a few cashews.
Don’t worry about how to start a healthy all natural sandwich. I am here to help you pick best ingredients from scratch and give you recipes for making quick and easy sandwiches.
Authentic Andhra vankaya masala
Baingan (Vankaya) masala probably is entire 1+ billion Indian population favorite dish. Whether it is a birthday in a household, or another special day, or a holy gathering, or an upscale event, brinjal masala is a must. Baingan masala is a vegetarian Indian recipe made of sautéed brinjal (eggplant), simmered in creamy vegan gravy. I realize, that there are so many tasty, economic vegan dishes in Indian cuisine. All my childhood, 95% of the time, I ate vegan dishes.
Green papaya, moringa leaves saute
Take a foolproof chance with this recipe to cook something truly different when creating healthy recipes! Adventures don’t have to be with sports or on vacation. Challenge yourself with a new vegetable, new method or a recipe. It’s literally a priceless experience. Here is all-natural, vegan, gluten-free, paleo papaya, fenugreek leaves saute. Moringa is nothing but drumstick leaves. For those looking for a break from everyday routine recipes, this all-natural, vegan-friendly Indian recipe is going to win you over.
Papaya is called as the Fruit of the Angels. Though it is often overlooked as a culinary delight in western countries, for centuries, papaya is a prominent food in Thailand, India, Caribbean countries. Papayas are consumed either ripe or green. Not only in cooking, papaya has been a crucial ingredient in natural healing and beauty care.
Malabar Spinach in lentils
Dal with rice or roti is a staple food in every Indian household. My childhood was no different and I’m carrying on the tradition with my family. Lentils are a tasty, nutritious item on a vegetarian dinner plate. Low in calories, and high in protein, calcium, fiber, lentils are versatile food to your diet. Many ways to transform lentils – dal, salads, spreads. Lentils cook much quicker than dried beans and do not need soaking before cooking. You will love this simple, easy, homespun weekday meal. Boost your dal by adding any greens or veggies to make it heart friendly, diabetic friendly. Lentils are a hassle-free addition to any meal with nutty and earthy in flavor. Lentils are available with or without the husk. The husk contains the highest amount of dietary fiber. Consuming lentils with husk adds taste and highest amount of dietary fiber content to your diet.
Malabar spinach or Indian spinach is not spinach at all. It doesn’t look or taste like spinach at all. Malabar spinach leaves are thick, fleshy. They cook very fast. Other than making lentils, you can saute, make soups out of Malabar spinach. This dish called bachali kura pappu in Telugu.
