All other vegetables Archives - Indian Vegan Cookbook

Gawar-Shengdanyachi Bhaji (Cluster Beans with Peanut)

Cluster beans are a good source of fiber, protein, vitamins, and minerals. They are low in calories and may help improve digestion and heart health, and control blood sugar. The fibre in them promotes feelings of fullness and may also help prevent constipation. Cluster beans contain vitamin C, an antioxidant that boosts the immune system, and Vitamin K, which is important for blood clotting and bone health. They contain calcium and potassium, which are crucial for bone strength, and potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure and heart health. These beans contain antioxidants that help combat oxidative stress and reduce inflammation. They also have a low glycemic index, meaning they don’t cause rapid spikes in blood sugar levels and are therefore good for diabetics if eaten without the oil that is normally used to cook such vegetables.

Ghotache Saasav (Wild Mango Curry)

Mangoes are a great source of various nutrients, including vitamins A and C, folate, fiber, and copper. They are also relatively low in calories and fat. The body converts the beta-carotene in mangoes into vitamin A, which may help improve vision, skin health, and immune function. Vitamin C is a great antioxidant that may help reduce the rate of aging. The folate (a B vitamin) in mangoes assists cell growth and development, particularly during pregnancy. Mangoes also contain copper, a mineral that plays a role in energy production, nerve function, and immune health. The most ignored component in our nutrition is fibre which is very important for digestion and bowel movement. It also helps regulate blood sugar so is great for diabetics and mangoes are a good source of this dietary fiber. Coconut is high in fat and calories while moderate in carbs and protein. Most of the fats are medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which are absorbed intact in the small intestine and used by the body to produce energy. It’s the high content of manganese in coconut that not only supports enzyme function but also fat metabolism. The copper in coconut helps bone formation and heart health. Apart from manganese and copper, coconut is also rich in other minerals like selenium, phosphorus, potassium, and iron. Coconut contains a very high amount of insoluble fibre that doesn’t get digested but works to move food through the digestive system and helps bowel health.

Ripe Mango Udad-Methi

Lal Bhopla Bendi (Red Pumpkin Bendi)

Triphal or Indian Prickly Ash has a delicate flavour if used in the appropriate quantity. This spice is also used a lot in some Chinese cuisine. Sichuan pepper as it is also known, is said to encourage sweating in humid climate and thus help cool the body.

Pumpkin is low in calories and high in nutrition, especially fibre and beta carotene. It can help with weight loss because of its fibre content which provides a feeling of satiety without adding calories. The bold orange color of a ripe pumpkin indicates it is rich in beta-carotene, which is a provitamin and a powerful antioxidant used by the body to make vitamin A. Antioxidants protect the body from free radicals — atoms that cause tiny injuries to cells. Over time, the damage can lead to diseases like cancer or wrinkling of the skin as an aging process. Antioxidants neutralize free radicals, keeping them from harming our body cells keeping your body in better health and looking younger. If tumor cells do start to form, beta-carotene works to hinder their growth. Beta-carotene also triggers the body to release natural killer cells that attack and destroy tumors. So all in all, you should include pumpkin as a regular vegetable in your diet.

Lal Bhopala Bharit (Red Pumpkin Bharit)

Pumpkin is low in calories and high in nutrition, especially fibre and beta carotene. It can help with weight loss because of its fibre content which provides a feeling of satiety without adding calories.
The bold orange color of a ripe pumpkin indicates it is rich in beta-carotene, which is a provitamin and a powerful antioxidant used by the body to make vitamin A. Antioxidants protect the body from free radicals — atoms that cause tiny injuries to cells. Over time, the damage can lead to diseases like cancer or wrinkling of the skin as an aging process. Antioxidants neutralize free radicals, keeping them from harming our body cells keeping your body in better health and looking younger. If tumor cells do start to form, beta-carotene works to hinder their growth. Beta-carotene also triggers the body to release natural killer cells that attack and destroy tumors. So all in all, you should include pumpkin as a regular vegetable in your diet.

Haadgyachya Fulanchi Bhaji (Haadga or Heta Flower Sabji)

This is a wild flower that’s a delicacy in rural India and often flowers in the month of February and sometimes in August or September. It’s also known as Agastya or Agathi in Ayurveda and the botanical name is Sesbania grandiflora.

According to Ayurveda, it has many medicinal properties and the leaves of this tree have been used in traditional medicine since ancient times. The pod, young flowers and seeds are all edible and are popular in traditional cuisines especially in rural areas. The flowers and leaves are rich in vitamins and minerals and are said to have anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic effects. They are popular for their highly nutrient qualities, which include high protein and very high calcium content. Different parts of the tree are also said to contain properties that help treat diarrhoea, dysentery, night blindness, cataract, digestive disorders and even cancers.

Ansa Phansachi Bhaji

Fruits are a great source of energy and nutrients like vitamins and minerals. Additionally, fruits supply dietary fiber, which may help lower the incidence of cardiovascular disease and reduce unnecessary weight gain. Fruits are a source of phytochemicals that function as antioxidants, phytoestrogens, and anti-inflammatory agents and support protective mechanisms for the body. Coconut is a great source of natural fats and lots of fiber. Cooking fruits, or vegetables for that matter, causes the loss of a great amount of water-soluble vitamins, and the longer a food is cooked, the greater the loss of nutrients. Raw foods are more nutritious than cooked foods because enzymes are also destroyed in the cooking process. Enzymes are heat sensitive and deactivate easily when exposed to high temperatures. So, it’s best to eat fruit uncooked and in its natural form, but we can always enjoy a traditional food once in a while.

Kairichi Kadhi (Raw Mango Kadhi)

Raw mango is available for almost 5 to 7 months of the year and is a very versatile ingredient. It is used in preserves, chaats, chutneys, main dishes, and beverages. It is high in vitamin C, calcium, magnesium which is useful for releasing toxins from the body. Raw mangoes are also high in niacin, which helps boost cardiovascular health.

Tomato Vada (Stuffed Tomatoes)

Tomatoes are a very versatile fruit and rich in vit C, vit K and folate. They are also rich in potassium that is beneficial for blood pressure control.
Sprouts are an excellent source of protein, fiber and vit C. The proteins and peptides in bean sprouts may also help reduce the risk of cancer by slowing the the growth of cancer cells. All in all, this dish is nutrient dense and delicious at the same time.

Bharleli Foogi Mirchi (Stuffed Capsicum)

Commonly known as Shimla Mirch in India, capsicums or bell peppers are low in calories and exceptionally rich in vitamin C, which increases the absorption of iron from your gut. Eating raw bell peppers along with iron-rich foods such as green leafy vegetables may help increase your body’s iron stores, cutting your risk of anemia. They are also loaded with other antioxidants.

Sesame seeds are rich in protein, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants and are often added to provide a nutty flavor and crunchy texture. Sesame seeds contain lignans and phytosterols, which are plant compounds that can help lower cholesterol. Phytosterols are also believed to enhance your immune response and decrease your risk of certain cancers. The sesamin and sesamolin in sesame seeds are known for their antioxidant and antibacterial properties. Antioxidants are important to your health because they protect your body against various diseases by slowing down damage to cells. They’re also packed with copper, which helps make red blood cells. Sesame seeds are an excellent source of manganese and calcium, both of which help your bones grow healthy and strong.

Coconut can be eaten raw, dried, or as flour, is delicious and easy to incorporate into both sweet and savory dishes. Coconut meat contains large amounts of medium chain fatty acids (MCFAs), a type of saturated fat that is much easier for the human body to digest than animal fats. These fats, also called medium chain triglycerides (MCTs), have been demonstrated to boost the endurance of trained athletes. Although coconuts are high in calories because of their fat content, they are also very high in fibre making sure you don’t consume too much by giving you a sense of fullness with very small amounts.

Besan (chickpea/ garbanzo bean flour) also known as gram flour has been a staple in Indian cooking for centuries. It is from the legume family and is lower in carbohydrates and calories but very rich in protein, iron, folate, and manganese apart from other vitamins, minerals and anti-oxidants. It is packed with fibre, is lower in calories than other flours and is very filling. It has a lower glycemic index thus preventing a spike in blood sugar. It is a great alternative to use as a gluten free flour. it’s lower in carbs and calories yet richer in protein and fiber.