On a gluten-free or vegan diet? Try out these desi delicacies

Sticking to a gluten-free or vegan diet is a decision for you, not a fad. But while you are serious about what you eat, sourcing the exotic and expensive ingredients that are often touted as superfoods is never easy. We feel you. So here are some easy Indian dishes that are equally healthy and close at hand, and that will never burn a hole in your pocket.

What is glutenGluten, a group of proteins, offers a variety of functional culinary benefits and is responsible for the soft, chewy texture of many grain-based foods that contain gluten. It forms the sticky web that makes the bread rise in the oven. Gluten can be very bad for you if you are allergic to it or have celiac disease.

Jowar Litti Chokha (Bihar)

This simple dish is a complete and (filling) meal. All you have to do to make it even healthier is replace wheat flour with jowar for the lttis. The sattu filling is healthy anyway, as it helps, among other things, to control the blood sugar level. Instead of dipping in oil, you can also roast the lettis. A combination of brinjal, tomato and potato bharta makes a delicious and nutritious chokha. This gluten-free and vegan dish can be eaten with flavorful Indian dips, which add to the overall benefits of the combination.

Makki on Roti (Punjab)

Enjoying Makki di Roti and Sarson da Saag all winter may be a common practice for many, but what most don’t realize is the fact that it’s a really healthy dish. This gluten-free and vegan dish made from mustard leaves and many other vegetables like onions, tomatoes and other vegetables is super nutritious. However, it is the Makki di Roti that gives the whole dish more flavor and aroma. It reduces deficiency symptoms, regulates blood sugar, helps to gain weight in the underweight and contains important nutrients for pregnant women.

How to go vegan with ease

• Eat Indian vegetarian dishes, which are mostly vegan by default
• Have meat substitutes like pork meat, tofu, tempeh, and soy nuggets
• Opt for vegan milk available in India such as almond milk, soy milk, rice milk, and coconut milk
• Indulge in nut butters like peanut butter, almond butter, and cashew butter
• Enjoy Indian chaats, banana chips, popcorn, nuts, puffed rice, etc. rice
• Cook your own food as often as possible

Sabudana Khichdi (Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Gujarat)

This light snack can be eaten for both lunch and dinner. A serving of Sabudana Khichdi has calories perfect for an adult’s standard diet. This gluten-free and vegan dish can be made in minutes, but you need to soak the sabudana in warm water overnight before cooking. You can add lemon and spices to the khichdi depending on your taste. It improves digestion, is good for intestinal health, lowers blood pressure, is good for bones, and is a good source of energy.

Neer Dosa (Karnataka)

This soft and thin dosa is made from a batter made of rice and fresh coconut. Neer Dosa is not only delicious but also very nutritious with good amounts of vitamins, proteins, starches and minerals, making it an excellent and healthy dish. This low-calorie pancake can be a very good option for breakfast. They are also absolutely gluten-free and vegan.

“Local vegetarian foods are better for our body”

As Indians, we have been eating well-tolerated food since childhood. Regional products and seasonal foods always go well with our climate and our body. Not everyone has to be gluten-free or vegan. But once you make that choice, it is better to look closer at home to find the options because our Indian foods and spices are rich in many nutrients.

–
Ridhima Batra, clinical nutritionist, diabetes educator and sports nutritionist

Indori or Aloo Poha (Madhya Pradesh)

This popular breakfast dish contains around 70% healthy carbohydrates and 30% fat. It is also considered high in iron content. It is easy on the digestive tract and does not cause gas, so it can be consumed anytime you crave a quick snack. This gluten-free and vegan dish has probiotic benefits, is low in calories, and regulates blood sugar.

Begun Pora (Bengal)

This simple supplement in every Bengali household is high in fiber, which reduces the risk of heart disease, prevents blood sugar levels from rising, and is therefore really good for diabetics. Folic acid contained in this dish is an essential vitamin that is needed throughout pregnancy. It is also a good source of vitamin C and will protect you from coughs and colds. It is also said to reduce bad cholesterol and have anti-cancer properties.

source https://dailyhealthynews.ca/on-a-gluten-free-or-vegan-diet-try-out-these-desi-delicacies/