Salads- They are a great choice for a light and hearty meal at the same time!
Pic Credit : AnnaPelzer
Indian Food has been enjoying a good deal of popularity for few years now. But the general perception is that indian food is “SPICY”. Both Indians and Foreigners alike miss to notice that the beauty of Indian cusine from any part of the country is it’s simplicity and how wholesome an indian meal can be!
Many people eat salad dutifully because they feel it is good for them, but more enlightened types eat it happily because it is good.
Laurie Colwin
Indian food has become synonymous with curry and flat bread or Chicken Tikka! Yes, We do love them and are proud that they put us on the world map. But we have our soups; Rasam(pepper/tomato), Sambar and Indian versions of Chinese cusine soups. Also, many salads that are either included in meal or had as a snack. We bring you our Top-Five Indian salads;
#1 Kachumber Salad
Kachumber Salad is the best salad on our list not just for its cooling and filling properties but for its simplicity as well.
1.All you need is some fresh and young cucumbers, Tomatoes and onions and preferred seasoning to add.
2.In fact just some salt, chilli/ pepper powder with a squeeze of lemon will do.
Also Cucumbers help in easing migranes, relieves constipation and reduces inflamation.
#2 Groundnuts Salad
Groundnuts are great sources of Vitamin E, B3, Copper, Biotin and healthy fats.
1.Overnight water soaked groundnuts taste and digest better.
2.Add grated carrot, finely chopped onion,tomatoes and some parsley. season it with salt, chilli powder and some lemon juice.
3.Top it off with generous amount of grated coconut and viola you have the best salad which can substitute for a meal!
#3 Chickpea Salad
Chickpeas are great option to get all the protein content required and whats more!
Tt Tastes ahhmazing!
1. Soak Chickpeas overnight and boil them(preferably in a pressure cooker).
2.If you are not in the mood to even cut vegetables, just season the boiled chickpeas with some salt and pepper.
3.If you have some chaat masala on hand, sprinkle some and there you go! a simple healthy salad rich in protein and fiber is ready.
To the same dish you can add some curd and take it to next level!
#4 Paneer Tikka Salad
Paneer or indian cottage cheese is a great source of protein and helps in building muscle mass.
1.Add vegetables like chopped onions, cucumbers and steamed capsicum and broccoli to paneer (after it is soaked in hot water for not more than 10 minutes).
2.Drizzle some olive oil, crushed pepper, salt to taste. If you prefer it little tangy add some chaat masala and lemon juice.
You can have this as protein portion in your meal.
#5 Sprouts Salad
Sprouted lentils have always held a special place in the hearts of Fitness enthusiasts. They are naturally high in potassium, Fiber and protein.
1.Inorder to sprout the lentils, first wash the required quantity and soak them in water overnight.
2.The next morning rinse out the water and place the soaked lentils in a perforated box with lid or put them in a cotton cloth bag. you must have the sprouted lentils by the next day.
3.You can use the lentils raw or you can saute them in a pan. Add chopped vegies of your choice, pepper or chilli powder and some salt to taste.
The best thing about sprouted lentils is you can have them as salad if made raw and you can have it as a side dish for Rotis AKA flat breads if sautéed.
