Dinners- The meal I look forward to the most! I do not do calorie counting anymore, but I remember even when I did count calories, I would eat less all day and save up calories to splurge for dinner ;).
Who else looks forward to a mini celebration at the end of the day, everyday!
Over the years though, I have managed to make my dinners tasty+ healthy. One great addition has been adding tasty soups as my pre- dinner appetiser. This is a concept called ‘pre- loading’ calories and ensure you do not overeat- a lifestyle change!
But for those who do not have time to cook a soup and then dinner, here are a few fun recipes that will help you get everything in a one- pot meal.
Cauliflower Alfredo pasta
Seriously, who ever knew you could make a cheese sauce with cauliflower! But this pasta recipe tastes out of the world without the need to add cheese! It is also very very healthy because of cauliflower, which happens to be a cruciferous vegetable.
The only thing I add additionally is extra veggies to this dish. I really use whatever is leftover int he fridge, including spinach, broccoli, carrots, sweet corn etc. If I am feeling extra hungry, I will have a slice of whole wheat sourdough on the side. I also only use a lentil based or quinoa pasta.
Millet Bisi Bele Bhat
I am a Gujrati raised in South India. I get literally enjoy the best of both cuisines at home. I grew up eating sambhar- anna and dhokla on the same plate for the same meal ;)
This recipe brings the South Indian spirit in me scream with excitement! The only way I would modify this recipe is to avoid the ghee (or sometimes use Vegan Ghee). I also switch up between millets and brown rice- both taste absolutely delicious! Oh, and some air fried chakhna on the side pleaseeeee!
Ragda Patties
If you are or have been my client, you should have seen a video of this recipe made by me on your nutrition app. Yes! I found a way to make Ragda healthy and completely oil- free!
Well firstly I make the patties with sweet potato, quinoa and other veggies like broccoli, peas etc. I use a ton of spices like green chillies, ginger, garlic, amchoor, spring onions etc to flavour the patties. I then pan roast them instead of deep frying. Trust me, with the whole dish together, you will actually enjoy the toasted patties instead of the deep fried one. The ragda and chutney’s are anyways healthy. I might sprinkle some sev or keep it sev- free, depending on how healthy I am feeling that day.
Once again, a staple at our place which everyone enjoy’s!
All of the above meals are wholesome and healthy. No one should sleep hungry in the name of ‘diet’. Just tweak your dinner’s to still make them healthy :) As I finish writing this newsletter, I am low- key excited to go home to Chole and Paratha for dinner!
Trust this helps,