Healthy Recipes

All healthy recipes are under this category. Try at your convenience.

Healthy eating means eating a variety of foods that give you the nutrients you need to maintain your health, feel good, and have energy.

 

 

These nutrients include protein, carbohydrates, fat, water, vitamins, and minerals. A healthy diet is essential for good health and nutrition.

It protects you against many chronic non-communicable diseases, such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. It can also boost a person’s mood and provide them with more energy.

 

 

A doctor or dietitian can provide tips on eating a more healthful diet.  If you take care of yourself, you can keep your cholesterol and blood pressure within a safe range.

This keeps your blood flowing smoothly, decreasing your risk of cardiovascular diseases.

 

 

Eating a variety of foods and consuming less salt, sugars, and saturated and industrially-produced trans-fats, are essential for a healthy diet

Healthy  Recipes foods nourish us with vitamins, minerals, protein, fiber, and healthy fat.

 

 

So, healthy recipes are made up of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean meats, legumes, low-fat or fat-free dairy, and healthy fats.

It’s a combination of these foods that give us the most nutritional bang for our caloric buck. Nutrition is important for everyone.

 

 

When combined with being physically active and maintaining a healthy weight, eating well is an excellent way to help your body stay strong and healthy.

 

 

Having foods & drink that are high in fat, sugar & salt have these often & in small amounts.

Nutritious recipes can include butter and sugar, just like healthy meals can include an indulgent dessert—

it’s all about moderation and the big picture.

 

How to make Vegetable Dhokla

🥦 Healthy Indian Vegetable Dhokla Recipe

✳️ Ingredients:

  • Besan (gram flour) – 1 cup (or you can use suji/semolina for variation)
  • Grated carrots – 2 tbsp
  • Grated bottle gourd (lauki) – 2 tbsp (very light on the stomach)
  • Spinach (finely chopped) – optional, 1 tbsp
  • Ginger paste – 1/2 tsp (optional based on digestion tolerance)
  • Eno fruit salt – 1 tsp (for softness)
  • Turmeric – a pinch
  • Salt – as per doctor’s recommendation
  • Water – enough to make a thick batter

🌿 Tempering (Optional and Light)

  • 1 tsp oil (preferably olive or cold-pressed)
  • Mustard seeds – 1/4 tsp
  • Curry leaves – 3–4
  • Asafoetida (hing) – a pinch (aids digestion)

👩‍🍳 How to Prepare:

  1. Make the batter: Mix besan, turmeric, salt, veggies, and water to a thick pouring consistency.
  2. Let it rest for 10–15 mins (optional).
  3. Add Eno just before steaming and mix gently.
  4. Pour into a greased steamer plate and steam for 12–15 minutes.
  5. Prepare light tempering (optional) and pour over steamed dhokla.
  6. Cut into small, soft pieces and serve warm.

🚫 Avoid/Limit:

  • Green chilies, red chili powder (can irritate post-surgery stomach).
  • Too much oil in tempering.
  • Hard vegetables (like raw onions or raw cabbage) unless well cooked.
  • Heavy accompaniments like spicy chutneys.

✅ Ideal Pairing:

  • Homemade mint or coriander chutney (very mild, without chilies).
  • Plain curd (yogurt) – if dairy is tolerated.
  • Warm water or clear vegetable soup on the side.

How to make Besan Chilla Sandwich

🍳🥪 Besan Chilla Sandwich with Fresh Veggies

A fusion of crispy besan chilla, toasted bread, and crunchy Indian salad — perfect for breakfast, lunchbox, or chai-time snack!


🕒 Prep Time: 10 mins

🕒 Cook Time: 15 mins
🍽️ Serves: 2 (makes 2 sandwiches)


🌾 Ingredients

For the Besan Batter:

  • 1 cup besan (gram flour)
  • ¼ cup finely chopped onion
  • 2 tbsp grated carrot (optional)
  • 1 green chili, finely chopped (optional)
  • 2 tbsp chopped coriander
  • ½ tsp ajwain (carom seeds)
  • ¼ tsp turmeric (haldi)
  • ½ tsp red chili powder
  • Salt to taste
  • Water — enough to make a medium-thick, spreadable batter

For the Sandwich:

  • 4 slices bread (any type)
  • 1 small onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 tomato, thinly sliced
  • 1 cucumber, thinly sliced
  • Salt & pepper to sprinkle
  • Chaat masala (optional)
  • Green chutney (optional)
  • Ghee/oil for toasting

🔥 How to Make It

1️⃣ Make the Batter

  • Mix all the batter ingredients in a bowl.
  • Add water gradually to form a thick, spreadable batter (not runny).

2️⃣ Cook Bread Chilla Base (1 per sandwich)

  1. Heat a tawa on medium flame. Add a few drops of oil.
  2. Pour a ladle of besan batter on the tawa and spread it roughly to match the size of your bread slice.
  3. Quickly place a bread slice on top and press gently.
  4. Spread some more batter on top of the bread to coat it.
  5. Cook for 2–3 minutes until golden and crisp underneath.
  6. Flip the whole thing and cook the other side until crisp and cooked through.
  7. Repeat with the second slice to make a “top layer” for the sandwich.

Now you have 2 chilla-coated bread slices (one will be base, other top).

3️⃣ Assemble the Sandwich

  1. Take one cooked slice, chilla-side down.
  2. Spread a little green chutney (optional).
  3. Place sliced onions, tomatoes, cucumbers neatly on top.
  4. Sprinkle a little salt, pepper, and chaat masala.
  5. Cover with the second chilla-bread slice (chilla side up).
  6. Press gently and toast again on the tawa with a few drops of ghee for 1 minute (optional but delicious!).

✅ Serve It Hot!

  • Cut in halves or triangles.
  • Serve with:
    • Mint chutney
    • Ketchup
    • Spiced curd dip

🌟 Tips & Variations:

  • Add a slice of cheese on top of the veggies before closing for a melty touch.
  • Can mix some paneer or boiled potato with the veggies for a heavier version.
  • Great for lunchboxes — just wrap in foil or paper towel.

How to make Spinach Corn Curry

🌿 Healthy Spinach Corn Curry (Palak Corn Curry)


🥘 Ingredients

For the spinach puree:

  • 3 cups fresh spinach leaves (washed & chopped)
  • 1 green chili (adjust to spice level)
  • 1-inch piece of ginger
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • Water (for blanching)

For the curry:

  • 1 tsp olive oil / coconut oil / ghee
  • 1 tsp cumin seeds
  • 1 medium onion (finely chopped)
  • 1 medium tomato (finely chopped or pureed)
  • 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
  • 1/2 tsp red chili powder
  • 1/2 tsp coriander powder
  • Salt to taste
  • 1 cup boiled sweet corn kernels (frozen or fresh)
  • 2 tbsp low-fat cream or cashew paste (for vegan)
  • Water as needed
  • Fresh lemon juice (optional)
  • Fresh coriander leaves (for garnish)

👩🏽‍🍳 Instructions

1. Blanch and Puree Spinach

  • Boil water in a pot. Add spinach leaves and blanch for 1-2 minutes.
  • Drain and immediately transfer to cold water (to retain the green color).
  • Blend spinach with green chili, ginger, and garlic to a smooth paste. Set aside.

2. Make the Curry Base

  • In a pan, heat 1 tsp oil. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.
  • Add chopped onions. Sauté until light golden.
  • Add chopped tomatoes and cook until soft and oil starts to separate (you can cover it to cook faster).
  • Add turmeric, red chili, coriander powder, and salt. Mix well.

3. Add Spinach & Corn

  • Add the spinach puree. Cook on medium heat for 4-5 minutes.
  • Add boiled corn and mix well. Add water to adjust consistency.
  • Simmer for another 5-7 minutes.

4. Finish with Cream (Optional)

  • Stir in low-fat cream or cashew paste. Mix and cook for another 1-2 minutes.
  • Turn off the heat. Squeeze in a bit of lemon juice for freshness (optional).

5. Garnish & Serve

  • Garnish with coriander leaves.
  • Serve hot with roti, brown rice, quinoa, or millet roti for a wholesome meal.

💡 Tips for Health Boost

  • Use low-oil or no-oil sautéing by using a non-stick pan and a splash of water.
  • Add more veggies like bell peppers or peas for fiber.
  • Swap cream for blended silken tofu or soaked cashews to make it richer without dairy.
  • Use baby spinach for milder taste and easier prep.

How to make Lauki Curry with Brown Rice

🥣 Healthy Lauki Curry with Brown Rice

🍛 Servings: 2–3

🕰️ Time: 40 minutes

Vegan | Gluten-Free | Low Oil


🥘 Ingredients

For Lauki Curry:

  • Lauki (bottle gourd) – 2 cups, peeled & diced
  • Tomatoes – 2 medium, finely chopped or pureed
  • Onion – 1 medium, finely chopped (optional for lighter version)
  • Garlic – 3-4 cloves, minced
  • Ginger – 1-inch piece, grated
  • Green chili – 1, chopped (optional)
  • Turmeric powder – ½ tsp
  • Coriander powder – 1 tsp
  • Cumin seeds – 1 tsp
  • Red chili powder – ¼ tsp or to taste
  • Garam masala – ½ tsp
  • Salt – to taste
  • Oil – 1 tbsp (or use less for low-oil version)
  • Fresh cilantro – for garnish
  • Water – 1 cup (adjust as needed)

For Brown Rice:

  • Brown rice – 1 cup
  • Water – 2.5 cups
  • Salt – ½ tsp (optional)

🔪 Instructions

Step 1: Cook Brown Rice

  1. Rinse 1 cup brown rice thoroughly.
  2. In a saucepan or pressure cooker:
    • Add 2.5 cups water and ½ tsp salt.
    • Cook covered for:
      • 30–35 mins in a pan (simmered) or
      • 15 mins in an Instant Pot (high pressure, natural release).

Step 2: Make Lauki Curry

  1. Prep: Peel and chop the lauki into small cubes. Set aside.
  2. Sauté:
    • Heat oil in a pan or pressure cooker.
    • Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.
    • Add onion, sauté until light golden.
    • Add garlic, ginger, and green chili; cook 1 min.
  3. Add tomatoes:
    • Stir in chopped or pureed tomatoes.
    • Cook until soft and oil starts to separate (5–7 mins).
  4. Spices:
    • Add turmeric, coriander powder, red chili powder, and salt.
    • Stir well and cook for another 1–2 mins.
  5. Add lauki:
    • Add chopped lauki and mix to coat with masala.
    • Add about 1 cup water. Mix well.
  6. Cook:
    • Cover and simmer on medium heat for 20–25 mins until lauki is soft.
    • Or pressure cook for 1–2 whistles (then let pressure release naturally).
  7. Finish:
    • Add garam masala, stir gently.
    • Garnish with fresh cilantro.

🍽️ Serving

  • Serve hot lauki curry over a bed of steamed brown rice.
  • Add a squeeze of lemon or serve with a side of plain yogurt (optional).

💡 Tips

  • You can skip onion and garlic for a Satvik version.
  • Add a handful of moong dal to the curry for extra protein.
  • Lauki releases water — so don’t add too much in the beginning.
  • Make it in an Instant Pot for ease: Sauté > Pressure Cook (5 mins) > Natural Release.

How to make Chickpea Avocado Toast

🥑🌶️ Healthy Indian-Style Chickpea Avocado Toast

✅ Ingredients (for 2 slices):

  • 2 slices whole grain or multigrain bread (or millet bread for gluten-free)
  • 1 ripe avocado
  • 1/2 cup cooked chickpeas (or canned, rinsed)
  • 1–2 tsp olive oil or cold-pressed mustard oil
  • 1/4 tsp cumin powder (jeera)
  • 1/4 tsp chaat masala (optional but tasty!)
  • 1/2 green chili (finely chopped, adjust to taste)
  • 1 tbsp finely chopped red onion
  • 1 small tomato, finely chopped (seeds removed)
  • 1 tbsp chopped fresh coriander (dhaniya)
  • Juice of 1/2 lime or lemon
  • Salt to taste
  • Optional toppings: chili flakes, sesame seeds, or roasted peanuts

👩🏽‍🍳 Instructions:

  1. Toast the Bread:
    • Toast the slices of bread until golden and crisp.
  2. Prepare the Chickpea-Avocado Mash:
    • In a bowl, mash the avocado and chickpeas together (leave a bit chunky for texture).
    • Add cumin, salt, chaat masala, chopped green chili, onion, tomato, and coriander.
    • Drizzle in olive oil and squeeze in the lime juice.
    • Mix well to combine into a flavorful mash.
  3. Assemble the Toast:
    • Spread the mixture generously onto the toasted bread slices.
    • Sprinkle with optional toppings like sesame seeds, chili flakes, or roasted peanuts for crunch.
  4. Serve Immediately:
    • Best enjoyed fresh while the toast is crisp!

🧠 Health Notes:

  • Chickpeas = Plant protein + fiber
  • Avocado = Healthy fats + potassium
  • Spices = Anti-inflammatory and digestion-supportive

How to make Apple Nachos

🍏 Indian-Style Apple Nachos (Healthy & Flavorful)

✅ Ingredients:

  • 2 crisp apples (Fuji, Gala, or Shimla variety)
  • 1–2 tbsp jaggery syrup, date syrup, or honey
  • 1–2 tbsp unsweetened peanut butter or almond butter (or tahini if preferred)
  • 1/4 tsp ground cardamom (elaichi)
  • 1 tbsp roasted chopped peanuts or pistachios
  • 1 tbsp unsweetened shredded coconut
  • 1 tbsp granola or murmura (puffed rice) for crunch
  • Optional: A pinch of chaat masala or cinnamon
  • A few drops of rose water or saffron milk (optional for a royal touch)
  • Lemon juice (to prevent browning)

👩🏽‍🍳 Instructions:

  1. Slice Apples:
    • Wash, core, and slice apples into thin wedges or rounds.
    • Toss with lemon juice to keep them fresh and white.
    • Arrange them on a large plate like nachos.
  2. Warm Drizzles:
    • Slightly warm the peanut butter and jaggery or date syrup so they’re easy to drizzle.
  3. Flavor Boost:
    • Stir cardamom into the syrup or nut butter for that Indian mithai vibe.
    • Add a couple drops of rose water or saffron milk if using.
  4. Assemble the Apple Nachos:
    • Drizzle the nut butter and syrup over the apple slices.
    • Sprinkle chopped nuts, coconut, and granola or puffed rice on top.
    • Light dusting of chaat masala or cinnamon to finish.
  5. Serve Immediately:
    • Enjoy it fresh for best texture and flavor.

🌿 Optional Add-ins:

  • Chopped dried fruits: like dates, figs, or raisins.
  • Homemade trail mix: mix of sunflower seeds, melon seeds, and fennel seeds (saunf).
  • Yogurt drizzle: for a creamy layer, use thick hung curd or Greek yogurt with a bit of honey and cardamom.

How to make Frozen Banana Bites

🍌 Easy Frozen Banana Bites (No-Cook Recipe)

✅ Ingredients:

  • 2 ripe but firm bananas
  • 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate
  • 1 tsp coconut oil (optional, for smoother melting)
  • 2 tbsp peanut butter or almond butter (optional for filling)
  • Toppings (optional):
    • Crushed nuts (almonds, pistachios, peanuts)
    • Desiccated coconut
    • Chia seeds or flax seeds
    • A pinch of sea salt

👩🏽‍🍳 Instructions:

1. Prep the Bananas:

  • Peel the bananas and slice them into ½-inch thick rounds.

2. Optional: Add Nut Butter Filling

  • If you want stuffed bites, spread a bit of peanut/almond butter on one banana slice and sandwich it with another slice.
  • Place the “banana sandwiches” on a tray lined with parchment paper and freeze for 30–60 minutes.

3. Melt the Chocolate:

  • In a microwave-safe bowl, melt chocolate with coconut oil in 20-second bursts, stirring in between until smooth.

4. Dip the Bananas:

  • Dip each banana piece (or sandwich) halfway or fully into the melted chocolate.
  • Place back on the tray and immediately sprinkle with desired toppings (nuts, coconut, chia seeds).

5. Freeze:

  • Freeze again for 1 hour or until completely set.

🍽️ How to Store:

  • Keep in an airtight container in the freezer.
  • Eat directly from the freezer or let sit for 2 minutes to soften slightly.

🧠 Tips:

  • Use mini toothpicks to make them fun and mess-free for kids.
  • For an Indian twist, add a pinch of cardamom or a drizzle of jaggery syrup before freezing.
  • Want it dairy-free/vegan? Use vegan chocolate.

How to make Paneer Curd Vegetable Salad

🥗 Healthy Paneer Curd Vegetable Salad

Ingredients

  • Paneer (cottage cheese) – 100–150g, cut into small cubes
  • Curd (plain yogurt) – ½ cup (preferably low-fat or Greek yogurt)
  • Cucumber – 1 medium, diced
  • Tomato – 1 medium, diced
  • Carrot – 1 small, grated or julienned
  • Capsicum (bell pepper) – ½, chopped
  • Red onion – ½ small, thinly sliced (optional)
  • Coriander leaves – handful, chopped
  • Mint leaves – a few, chopped (optional)

🧂 For Dressing

  • Black salt / regular salt – to taste
  • Black pepper powder – ½ tsp
  • Roasted cumin powder – ½ tsp
  • Chaat masala – ½ tsp (optional)
  • Lemon juice – 1 tbsp
  • Olive oil – 1 tsp (optional for richness)
  • Green chili / chili flakes – to taste (optional)

🥣 Instructions

  1. Prep the paneer:
    • Lightly grill or sauté paneer cubes in a nonstick pan for 2–3 minutes if you prefer it slightly crispy. Or use raw for a softer texture.
  2. Mix vegetables:
    • In a large bowl, combine chopped cucumber, tomato, carrot, capsicum, onion, coriander, and mint.
  3. Add curd:
    • In a separate bowl, whisk the curd until smooth. Mix in the salt, pepper, cumin powder, chaat masala, lemon juice, and olive oil (if using).
  4. Combine all:
    • Add the paneer cubes and curd dressing to the vegetables. Mix gently so the paneer doesn’t crumble.
  5. Taste and chill:
    • Adjust seasoning. Refrigerate for 15–20 minutes for best flavor (optional).
  6. Serve:
    • Garnish with extra herbs or a sprinkle of chaat masala. Serve chilled.

🥦 Tips for Health Boost

  • Add boiled chickpeas or sprouts for extra protein and fiber.
  • Use hung curd or Greek yogurt for a thicker, creamier dressing.
  • Add a dash of flax seeds or chia seeds for omega-3s.

🍛 How to make One-Pot Black Eyed Peas Rice (Lobia Pulao) – 1 Serving

🕒 Ready in: ~30 minutes

🥄 Serves: 1

🌱 Vegetarian | Vegan-Friendly | High Protein | One Pot


✅ Ingredients:

  • ½ tsp oil or ghee
  • ¼ tsp cumin seeds
  • ¼ small onion, finely chopped
  • 1 small garlic clove, minced
  • ½ tsp grated ginger
  • 1 small green chili, slit or chopped (optional)
  • ¼ tsp turmeric powder
  • ¼ tsp garam masala (or curry powder)
  • Salt, to taste
  • ¼ cup dried black-eyed peas, soaked overnight (or ½ cup cooked)
  • ¼ cup basmati rice, rinsed
  • ¾ cup water
  • Chopped cilantro or mint, for garnish (optional)
  • Lemon juice, to taste (optional)

🔪 Instructions:

  1. (If using dried black-eyed peas)
    Pressure cook or boil the soaked peas in salted water until soft (about 2–3 whistles in a pressure cooker or 15–20 mins boiling). Drain and set aside.
  2. Sauté the base
    In a small pot or pan, heat the oil. Add cumin seeds, let them splutter.
    Add onions, sauté until golden.
    Add ginger, garlic, and green chili, and cook for 30–60 seconds.
  3. Add spices & mix
    Stir in turmeric, garam masala, and salt.
  4. Add rice & peas
    Add the rinsed rice and cooked black-eyed peas. Stir to coat everything in the spices.
  5. Add water & cook
    Pour in ¾ cup water. Bring to a boil, then reduce to low heat.
    Cover and cook for 12–15 minutes, or until rice is tender and water is absorbed.
  6. Fluff & finish
    Let it sit for 5 minutes. Fluff gently with a fork.
    Garnish with cilantro and a squeeze of lemon juice.

🍽️ Optional Add-ins:

  • Chopped tomato (add after sautéing onions)
  • Spinach or peas (stir in with rice)
  • Whole spices (1 clove, small bay leaf, or cinnamon for extra aroma)

How to make One Pot Quinoa with spinach

🌱 One-Pot Quinoa with Spinach and Chickpeas

🕒 Ready in: 30 minutes

🍽️ Serves: 4

🥦 Vegan | Gluten-Free | High-Protein


✅ Ingredients:

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2-3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • ½ tsp ground turmeric (optional, for color & anti-inflammatory benefits)
  • 1 cup quinoa, rinsed well
  • 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 2 cups fresh spinach (or more, to taste)
  • 2 ¼ cups vegetable broth (or water with bouillon)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Juice of ½ lemon (optional, for brightness)
  • Fresh herbs (like parsley or cilantro) for garnish (optional)

🔪 Instructions:

  1. Sauté aromatics
    In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until soft. Add garlic, cumin, and turmeric. Stir for 1 minute until fragrant.
  2. Add quinoa & chickpeas
    Stir in the rinsed quinoa and chickpeas. Toast for 1–2 minutes to coat in the spices.
  3. Add broth & simmer
    Pour in the vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and let simmer for 15 minutes, or until quinoa is cooked and liquid is absorbed.
  4. Add spinach
    Once the quinoa is done, stir in the fresh spinach. Cover the pot for 2–3 minutes to let it wilt, then stir again.
  5. Season & serve
    Add salt, pepper, and lemon juice to taste. Fluff with a fork. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.

🍽️ Serving Ideas:

  • Serve on its own as a main dish.
  • Top with avocado slices or a spoon of hummus.