Plant based food Archives - Page 4 of 6

Rice and Green Gram Dal Kheer

Rice is one of the oldest cereal grains in the world which has been grown for at least 5,000 years and almost all of the rice today is cultivated in Asia. It is also a staple food for more than half the population of the world. There are thousands of types of rice and many are becoming rare to find. But mostly rice fits into two groups: white (polished) or brown (whole grain). Though brown rice offers more health benefits, white rice is what is used more commonly. Brown rice comes in a variety of shades, including reddish, purplish, or black. Rice is primarily composed of carbohydrate in the form of starch, which makes up almost 80% of its total dry weight. The body digests sticky or starchy rice faster than other long grain varieties like basmati. During the processing of white rice, the grain loses the bran, or seed coat, which contains most of the fiber, and so brown rice contains a higher amount of dietary fiber than white rice.

Sesame Seed Chutney

Sesame seeds are rich in fibre, which helps in improving digestion and may also help in reducing the risk of heart disease, some cancers and prevent putting on excess weight. Though sesame seeds contain saturated fats, the majority of fats in them are polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats or good fats that may help in lowering cholesterol levels. Roasting sesame seeds reduces the impact of the oxalates in it that may inhibit the absorption of other minerals in them. It’s a great source of plant based protein especially in the hulled (though it reduces the fibre and vitamin B content) and roasted seeds as it helps in the absorption of this nutrient. It is also well known to be rich in calcium, that’s mainly found in un-hulled seeds, and the absorption of this nutrient is improved by soaking, roasting, or sprouting the seeds.

Green Coriander Leaf Chutney – 1

A few doctors say chlorophyll is king and, like all leafy green vegetables, coriander is also full of it. Coriander is full of antioxidants that have immune-boosting, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective effects as well as protect your skin from aging and sun damage. Coriander can help reduce unpleasant digestive symptoms like bloating and discomfort often experienced by people with IBS, and also help boost appetite. And most important of all it’s a delicious accompaniment to any meal.

Green Coriander Leaf Chutney – 2

This coriander chutney is so delicious it is a hit with children too. It can be used as an accompaniment, dip or spread. It’s best eaten fresh but can be refrigerated for a couple of days or even frozen for a couple of weeks.

Green Coriander Leaf Chutney -3

Coriander chutney is a very versatile dish and is a great accompaniment to spice up any Indian meal. It’s high content of chlorophyll makes it a great food to have for good health. The coconut in it has a lot of fiber too and gives a feeling of satiety. Children also love this chutney.

Green Coriander Leaf Chutney – 4

This coriander chutney is delicious and filling and very versatile. It can be used as an accompaniment, a dip or a spread. The chutney lasts for a couple of days in the fridge but is bests eaten fresh. It can also be frozen for up to a couple of weeks.

Gopal Kala

This dish is usually made on Janmashtami and is served as prasad. This is an extremely easy to make dish and you can add any other fruits you wish to. It’s not only delicious but also filling and requires no cooking. It is highly nutritious because of the combination of vitamins in the fruits and carbohydrates in the poha. It is very soothing on the digestive system as well.

Kakdi Tomato chi Koshimbir (Cucumber and Tomato Salad)

Cucumbers are low in calories but high in many important vitamins and minerals and are a refreshing, nutritious and incredibly versatile addition to any meal. To maximize their nutrient content, cucumbers should be eaten unpeeled. Cucumbers are great eaten raw as a low-calorie snack. They contain antioxidants, including flavonoids and tannins, which prevent the accumulation of harmful free radicals and may reduce the risk of chronic disease. The large amount of water in cucumbers can help keep you hydrated, and the fiber content in them helps prevent constipation and regulate bowel movement. They are also good for bone health because of the Vit K in them. The lignans in them may help prevent osteoporosis, heart disease, and some cancers.

Sarson Ka Saag (Spicy Mustard Greens Vegetable)

Sarson or mustard greens have a strong bitter, spicy flavor that is distinctive and makes it so special. They are low in calories and high in nutrients including many health-boosting antioxidants like flavonoids, beta carotene, lutein, and vitamins C and E that fight free radicals (unstable molecules) that can damage your cells. It is for this reason that sarson leaves can protect your skin and lower risk factors of diabetes. Both raw and cooked mustard greens are a phenomenal source of vitamin K, which is best known for its vital role in helping with blood clotting. It’s also been shown to be essential for heart and bone health. The greens are also a great source of several B vitamins, including thiamine (B1,) niacin (B3,) and pyridoxine (B6.)

Shepuchi Bhaji with Channa Dal (Dill Leaves Bhaaji with Bengal Gram)

A lot of Indians cook a pulse and a vegetable together making the dish more nutritious, delicious, and filling. Channa dal is great to combine with dill leaves, fenugreek leaves, cabbage, capsicum, and bottle gourd, snake gourd, ridge gourd, etc. either in a dry vegetable or curry form. Dill leaves are rich in a variety of nutrients including Vitamin A, C, D, riboflavin, manganese, folate, iron, copper, potassium, magnesium, zinc and dietary fibres. These nutrients and antioxidants, not only protect the cells against free radical damage but also promote healthy vision, augment skin, boost immune functions, treat digestive anomalies, remedy sleep problems, fortify bone health, relieve respiratory infections, regulate hormonal balance, and enhance reproductive health.

Indian Vegan Cookbook

Posts tagged: Plant based food