As the winter chill sets in, our cravings turn towards warm, comforting, and hearty meals. However, the desire for comfort food often clashes with health goals. But what if you could enjoy delicious and traditional desi dinners that are not only soul-satisfying but also incredibly light? We have curated a list of simple dinner delights that are tasty, healthy, and can be made for under 100 calories, perfect for the cozy season.
Hearty and Healthy Soups
Begin your comforting meal with a warm bowl of soup. Daal Soup is a classic light option. To prepare it, pressure cook soaked moong dal with green chile, ginger, garlic, and a mix of spices and herbs. Once cooked, blend the mixture into a smooth soup. The final touch is a flavourful tempering made with a hint of butter, salt, pepper, and cumin powder, served piping hot.
Another nutritious choice is Spinach and Moong Dal Soup. This involves creating a smooth paste from pre-soaked moong dal. Fresh spinach is blanched and then blended seamlessly with the dal paste. This green blend is then cooked with vegetable stock and a selection of spices and herbs, resulting in a vibrant and healthy soup.
Wholesome Vegetarian Delights
For a quick and crunchy side, try the Tossed Cabbage Salad. After washing and soaking cabbage leaves, cut them along with other vegetables of your choice. Sauté onions, bell pepper, olives, and the prepared cabbage in a pan. Finish it with a simple, zesty dressing of lemon juice and olive oil, seasoned with your favourite herbs.
Methi Thepla, the beloved Gujarati flatbread, is a fantastic dinner option. Made with whole wheat flour, fresh fenugreek leaves, and spices, these are cooked on a lightly greased pan over a low flame. They are best enjoyed with a side of fresh curd, making for a balanced and light meal.
No desi dinner list is complete without Baingan Bharta. This classic dish starts with roasting a whole brinjal until the skin is charred. After peeling it, the smoky flesh is mashed and cooked with onions, ginger, garlic, and a robust mix of spices and herbs. Enjoy this flavourful bharta with a hot roti.
Lauki Sabzi is another simple yet delicious option. This dish is prepared by cooking bottle gourd with a base of onions, tomatoes, ginger, and garlic, all brought together with a traditional blend of spices. It pairs perfectly with either rice or roti.
Innovative and Light Main Courses
If you own an air fryer, Crispy Sweet Potatoes are a must-try. Simply mix sweet potato chunks with your choice of veggies using minimal oil. Season generously with red chili powder, cumin, coriander, salt, and pepper. Air fry them on a parchment paper until crispy and serve hot with rice or roti.
For a taste of classic North Indian cuisine, prepare Saag. Wash and clean the saag thoroughly, then blanch it. Once softened, blend it into a smooth paste. This puree is then cooked with a little oil and a tempering of spices and herbs, creating a deeply spiced and healthy dish.
Non-vegetarians can relish Palak Chicken, a clever way to use leftover chicken. Sauté the chicken pieces with onion, tomato, and a paste of garlic and chili. Then, add a puree of fresh spinach to create a rich gravy. Let it simmer and serve this delicious preparation hot with naan or roti.
For a fun, handheld dinner, make Roti Rolls. Sauté a mix of vegetables and chickpeas with your preferred condiments. Use this filling to stuff whole wheat rolls or rotis, and then grill them until warm and slightly crisp. Serve immediately with a dipping sauce.
Lastly, Soy Keema offers a high-protein, vegetarian alternative to traditional keema. Sauté minced soy granules with onions, garlic, and ginger until they brown. Add tomatoes and a medley of spices, then let it simmer until the keema is fully cooked. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve hot with roti.
These recipes prove that you don't have to compromise on taste for health. They are perfect for a satisfying winter dinner that keeps you warm and your calorie count low.
