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 Protein Poha

Healthy Protein Poha with Soya Chunks or Paneer Crumbles

Ingredients:

  • 1.5 cups poha (flattened rice), rinsed and drained
  • 1/2 cup soya chunks (or paneer crumbles)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 1 green chili, finely chopped (optional)
  • 1/2 cup mixed veggies (carrot, peas, bell pepper), finely chopped
  • 1/4 tsp mustard seeds
  • 1/2 tsp cumin seeds
  • 1/4 tsp turmeric powder
  • Salt to taste
  • 1 tbsp oil (olive, sunflower, or any healthy oil)
  • A handful of coriander leaves, chopped
  • Juice of 1/2 lemon
  • 1 tbsp roasted peanuts or cashews (optional)

Instructions:

If using soya chunks:

  1. Boil water and cook soya chunks for 5-7 minutes until soft. Drain and squeeze out excess water. Chop roughly.

Cooking:

  1. Heat oil in a pan. Add mustard seeds and cumin seeds, let them splutter.
  2. Add chopped onions and green chili. Sauté till onions turn translucent.
  3. Add mixed veggies and sauté for 4-5 minutes until tender-crisp.
  4. Add turmeric powder and salt, mix well.
  5. Add cooked soya chunks or paneer crumbles. Stir and cook for 2-3 minutes.
  6. Add rinsed poha and mix gently so everything combines well. Cook for another 2 minutes on low heat.
  7. Turn off heat, squeeze lemon juice, and garnish with coriander leaves and roasted nuts for crunch.

Tips:

  • You can add grated ginger or garlic for extra flavor.
  • For extra protein, sprinkle some chia seeds or flaxseeds on top.
  • Use paneer for a milder, creamier taste; soya chunks for a more textured, higher-protein version.

Want a quick chutney or raita recipe to go with this?

How to make Idli Upma with Veggies

Healthy Idli Upma with Veggies

Ingredients:

  • 6-8 leftover idlis, crumbled into small pieces
  • 1 tbsp oil (olive, sunflower, or any healthy oil)
  • 1 tsp mustard seeds
  • 1 tsp urad dal (optional)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 1 green chili, finely chopped (optional)
  • 1/2 cup mixed veggies (carrot, peas, beans, capsicum), finely chopped
  • 1/4 tsp turmeric powder
  • Salt to taste
  • A handful of fresh coriander leaves, chopped
  • Juice of 1/2 lemon
  • 1 tbsp roasted peanuts or cashews (optional, for crunch)

Instructions:

  1. Prepare veggies:
    Heat oil in a pan. Add mustard seeds and let them splutter. Then add urad dal and sauté until golden (optional).
  2. Sauté aromatics:
    Add chopped onions and green chili, sauté till translucent.
  3. Cook veggies:
    Add mixed veggies and a pinch of salt. Cook on medium heat for 4-5 minutes till veggies are tender but still crisp.
  4. Add spices:
    Add turmeric powder and mix well.
  5. Add crumbled idli:
    Toss the crumbled idli pieces into the pan, mix gently with the veggies. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, so the idli pieces heat through and absorb the flavors.
  6. Finish:
    Turn off the heat, squeeze lemon juice, and sprinkle chopped coriander leaves. Add roasted peanuts or cashews if using.
  7. Serve:
    Serve hot with coconut chutney or plain yogurt.

Tips:

  • You can add mustard seeds and curry leaves for an authentic South Indian flavor.
  • Adding a pinch of black pepper or chaat masala can give a nice spicy tang.
  • If you want a little more texture, sprinkle some grated coconut on top.

How to make Sattu Pancake

Healthy Sattu Pancake Recipe

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup sattu (roasted gram flour)
  • 1/2 cup whole wheat flour (optional for binding and texture)
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp cumin powder (optional)
  • 1/4 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped (optional)
  • 1-2 green chilies, finely chopped (optional)
  • 2 tbsp chopped coriander leaves
  • 1 cup water (adjust for batter consistency)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil or any healthy oil (plus extra for cooking)
  • Optional veggies: grated carrot, finely chopped spinach, or bell pepper

Instructions:

  1. Make the batter:
    In a mixing bowl, combine sattu, whole wheat flour, baking powder, cumin powder, and salt.
    Add chopped onion, green chilies, coriander, and any optional veggies you like.
  2. Add water and oil:
    Gradually add water while stirring to form a smooth, pourable batter—like regular pancake batter (not too thick or runny).
    Stir in the oil.
  3. Cook pancakes:
    Heat a non-stick pan or griddle on medium heat. Lightly grease it with oil.
    Pour a ladleful of batter onto the pan and spread gently into a circle.
    Cook for 2-3 minutes until bubbles form on the surface, then flip carefully and cook the other side until golden brown.
  4. Serve:
    Serve warm with green chutney, yogurt, or a drizzle of honey if you prefer a sweet touch.

Tips:

  • For extra protein, you can add a spoon of chia seeds or flaxseeds to the batter.
  • These pancakes are great savory, but you can also add a pinch of jaggery or a mashed ripe banana for a sweet version.
  • If you want gluten-free, skip whole wheat flour and adjust water to get the right consistency.

How to make Corn Mungdal Tikki

Healthy Corn Mung Dal Tikki Recipe

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup yellow mung dal (moong dal), soaked for 2-3 hours
  • 1/2 cup boiled corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 1 green chili, finely chopped (optional)
  • 1/4 cup coriander leaves, finely chopped
  • 1/2 tsp cumin seeds or cumin powder
  • 1/2 tsp grated ginger
  • 1/4 tsp turmeric powder
  • 1/2 tsp garam masala (optional)
  • Salt to taste
  • 1 tbsp whole wheat flour or besan (gram flour) — for binding
  • A little oil for shallow frying (or use a non-stick pan with minimal oil)

Instructions:

  1. Cook mung dal: Drain the soaked mung dal and pressure cook or boil it until soft but not mushy (about 2-3 whistles in a pressure cooker or 15-20 mins boiling).
  2. Mash dal: Once cooked, lightly mash the dal, leaving some texture.
  3. Mix ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the mashed mung dal, boiled corn kernels, chopped onion, green chili, coriander, cumin, ginger, turmeric, garam masala, and salt.
  4. Add binding agent: Add whole wheat flour or besan gradually, mixing well to form a dough-like mixture that can hold shape. If too wet, add a little more flour.
  5. Shape tikkis: Divide the mixture into small portions and shape into flat round tikkis (patties).
  6. Cook tikkis: Heat a non-stick pan with a little oil on medium heat. Shallow fry the tikkis until golden brown and crispy on both sides (about 3-4 minutes each side).
  7. Serve: Serve hot with green chutney or yogurt dip.

Tips:

  • You can add grated carrot or finely chopped spinach for extra nutrition.
  • Baking is also an option: Place tikkis on a baking tray, brush lightly with oil, and bake at 200°C (400°F) for 20-25 mins, flipping halfway.

How to make Multigrain Paratha

🌾🥙 Healthy Multigrain Paratha

Why it’s healthy:

  • Made with a mix of whole grains (fiber-rich)
  • Uses minimal oil
  • Great for digestion and long-lasting energy
  • Can be customized with veggies or greens

📝 Ingredients (Makes 6–8 parathas):

For the dough:

  • ½ cup whole wheat flour (atta)
  • ¼ cup ragi (finger millet) flour
  • ¼ cup besan (gram flour)
  • ¼ cup jowar (sorghum) flour (or bajra/pearl millet flour)
  • 1 tbsp flaxseed powder (optional – for omega-3 boost)
  • ½ tsp ajwain (carom seeds) or jeera (cumin seeds)
  • Salt to taste
  • 1–2 green chilies, finely chopped (optional)
  • 1 tsp grated ginger (optional)
  • 2 tbsp finely chopped onion, spinach, or methi (optional – adds taste & nutrition)
  • Water as needed
  • Ghee or oil for roasting (use sparingly)

👩🍳 Instructions:

1. Prepare the dough

  • In a large bowl, mix all flours, spices, salt, and optional veggies/herbs.
  • Gradually add water and knead into a soft, pliable dough.
  • Cover and let it rest for 15–20 minutes.

2. Roll the parathas

  • Divide the dough into equal-sized balls.
  • Roll each ball gently using a rolling pin, dusting with dry flour as needed.
  • Try to keep them medium-thin and even.

3. Cook on the tawa

  • Heat a non-stick or cast iron tawa on medium heat.
  • Place the rolled paratha and cook until light brown spots appear.
  • Flip and apply a few drops of oil/ghee. Cook both sides until golden and crisp.

4. Serve hot

Serve with:

  • Low-fat curd or plain yogurt
  • Pickle or chutney
  • Raita or dal for a complete meal

🧠 Tips for extra nutrition:

  • Add grated carrot, beetroot, or zucchini to the dough
  • Mix in chia seeds, sunflower seeds, or sesame seeds for crunch
  • Use hung curd or a hummus-style dip instead of high-fat sides

How to make Banana Oats Pancake

🍌🥞 Healthy Banana Oats Pancakes

Why it’s healthy:

  • No refined sugar
  • No white flour (uses oats)
  • High in fiber and potassium
  • Can be made gluten-free and dairy-free

📝 Ingredients (Serves 2):

  • 1 ripe banana
  • ½ cup rolled oats (use certified gluten-free if needed)
  • 1 egg (or flax egg for vegan)
  • ¼ cup milk (dairy or plant-based like almond or oat milk)
  • ½ tsp baking powder
  • ¼ tsp cinnamon (optional)
  • Pinch of salt
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract (optional)

Optional Boosts:

  • 1 tbsp chia seeds or ground flaxseed (for extra fiber & omega-3)
  • A few blueberries or dark chocolate chips

👩🍳 Instructions:

  1. Blend the ingredients
    Add banana, oats, egg, milk, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, and vanilla to a blender. Blend until smooth (about 20-30 seconds). Let it sit 5 minutes to thicken slightly.
  2. Cook the pancakes
    Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and lightly grease with coconut oil or olive oil. Pour about ¼ cup of batter for each pancake. Cook 2–3 minutes until bubbles appear and edges firm up. Flip and cook another 1–2 minutes.
  3. Serve with healthy toppings
    Try:
    • Sliced bananas & berries
    • Greek yogurt or coconut yogurt
    • Natural peanut/almond butter
    • A drizzle of pure maple syrup or honey (optional)

🌿 Vegan Option:

Replace the egg with a flax egg:

  • Mix 1 tbsp ground flaxseed with 2.5 tbsp water
  • Let sit for 5 minutes before adding to the blender

Kuttu Cheela

🌿 Healthy Kuttu Cheela Recipe for Vrat

📝 Ingredients:

(Serves 2–3)

  • Kuttu ka atta (buckwheat flour) – 1 cup
  • Sendha namak (rock salt) – ½ tsp (as per taste)
  • Green chili (finely chopped) – 1 (optional)
  • Fresh coriander leaves (chopped) – 2 tbsp
  • Grated boiled potato – 1 small (optional for binding and softness)
  • Cumin seeds (jeera) – ½ tsp
  • Water – as needed to make a batter
  • Ghee or vrat-friendly oil – for cooking

✅ Optional Add-ins (if allowed in your vrat):

  • Grated lauki (bottle gourd)
  • Crushed peanuts or peanut flour (adds protein)
  • Grated ginger

👩‍🍳 Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Batter:
    • In a mixing bowl, combine kuttu atta, sendha namak, cumin seeds, green chili, grated potato, and coriander leaves.
    • Slowly add water to make a smooth, pourable batter (like dosa batter). Avoid lumps.
  2. Heat the Tawa:
    • Heat a non-stick or iron tawa and lightly grease it with ghee or oil.
  3. Cook the Cheela:
    • Pour a ladle of batter and spread gently in a circular motion.
    • Cook on medium heat. Drizzle ghee/oil around the edges.
    • Flip after 2–3 minutes or when the bottom is golden brown.
    • Cook the other side until crisp and cooked through.
  4. Serve Hot:
    • Serve with vrat chutney like:
      • Coconut chutney (without mustard seeds)
      • Mint-peanut chutney
      • Plain curd (dahi)

💡 Tips:

  • Let the batter rest for 10–15 minutes for better texture.
  • Add grated veggies (like lauki) for fiber and moisture.
  • Make small cheelas if the batter is delicate.

Singhara Chaat

🥗 Healthy Singhara Chaat (Falahari/Vrat Special)

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup fresh Singhara (water chestnuts) – peeled and chopped
    (or you can use boiled singhara if raw is not available)
  • 1 boiled potato – cubed (optional)
  • ½ cucumber – peeled and finely chopped
  • 1 small tomato – deseeded and chopped (optional if allowed during vrat)
  • 1 small green chili – finely chopped (optional)
  • 1 tsp lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp roasted peanuts – crushed (optional crunch)
  • 1 tsp sendha namak (rock salt)
  • ¼ tsp black pepper powder
  • 1 tbsp pomegranate seeds (optional but adds color and sweetness)
  • Few mint or coriander leaves – chopped (if allowed)

🥣 Instructions:

  1. Prep the Singhara:
    • If using raw singhara, peel and chop into small cubes.
    • If using boiled ones, boil for 5–7 minutes, then cool and chop.
  2. Mix the Chaat:
    • In a bowl, combine singhara, cucumber, tomato (if using), and boiled potato.
    • Add crushed peanuts, green chili, and pomegranate seeds.
  3. Season & Toss:
    • Sprinkle sendha namak, black pepper, and lemon juice.
    • Toss everything well.
  4. Garnish:
    • Add chopped mint or coriander leaves for freshness.
  5. Serve Immediately:
    • Best enjoyed fresh as a light meal or evening snack during Navratri.

🌟 Why It’s Healthy:

  • Singhara is low in calories and high in fiber.
  • Hydrating and cooling for the body.
  • Great balance of carbs (potato), protein (peanuts), and micronutrients.

Navratri Dhokla

🌼 Healthy Navratri Dhokla Recipe (Fasting/Vrat-Friendly)

Ingredients:

For the Batter:

  • 1 cup Samak Rice (Barnyard Millet) – washed and soaked for 2–3 hours
  • 2 tbsp Sabudana (Tapioca pearls) – soaked for 2–3 hours
  • ½ cup Curd (Dahi) – preferably fresh, not sour
  • 1 tsp Sendha Namak (rock salt)
  • 1 green chili (optional, for those who eat during fasting)
  • ½ inch ginger – grated
  • 1 tsp lemon juice or ½ tsp fruit salt (Eno)

For Tempering:

  • 1 tbsp Ghee or peanut oil (vrat-safe)
  • 1 tsp Cumin seeds (jeera)
  • 2 green chilies – slit (optional)
  • A few curry leaves (optional if allowed in your fasting tradition)

Garnish:

  • Fresh coriander leaves (if allowed)
  • Grated coconut (optional)

🥣 How to Make It:

1. Prepare the Batter:

  • Drain soaked samak rice and sabudana.
  • Grind them into a smooth paste using curd and a little water.
  • Transfer to a bowl, add ginger, green chili paste (optional), sendha namak, and lemon juice.
  • Let the batter rest for 15–20 mins for slight fermentation.
  • Just before steaming, add fruit salt (Eno). Mix gently in one direction until the batter turns light and frothy.

2. Steam the Dhokla:

  • Grease a dhokla plate or any shallow steaming dish.
  • Pour the batter immediately into the greased plate.
  • Steam for 15–20 minutes on medium heat or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
  • Let it cool slightly before cutting into pieces.

3. Tempering (Tadka):

  • Heat ghee or oil in a small pan.
  • Add cumin seeds, green chilies, and curry leaves.
  • Pour the tempering over the cut dhokla pieces.

4. Garnish & Serve:

  • Sprinkle fresh coriander or coconut if desired.
  • Serve warm with vrat-friendly chutney (like coconut or peanut chutney).

💡 Tips:

  • You can replace samak rice with rajgira flour or kuttu flour for variation.
  • Avoid hing, mustard seeds, or turmeric during fasting if not allowed.
  • Great for breakfast, snacks, or even light dinner during Navratri.

One Pot Veg Pasta

🌱 Healthy Indian-Style One Pot Pasta

🍝 Ingredients (2-3 servings):

Pasta & Base:

  • 1.5 cups whole wheat pasta (penne, fusilli, or macaroni)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil or ghee
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 2-3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tsp ginger, grated
  • 1-2 green chilies, chopped (adjust to taste)

Veggies (use any combo):

  • 1 carrot, chopped
  • ½ cup bell peppers (any color)
  • 1 tomato, finely chopped or ½ cup tomato puree
  • ½ cup green peas
  • 1 cup spinach or kale
  • ¼ cup corn (optional)

Spices:

  • ½ tsp turmeric
  • 1 tsp cumin seeds
  • ½ tsp red chili powder
  • 1 tsp garam masala
  • Salt to taste
  • Optional: ½ tsp coriander powder

Liquids:

  • 2.5 – 3 cups water or low-sodium vegetable broth
  • Juice of ½ lemon (for freshness)

Garnish:

  • Fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Optional: sprinkle of nutritional yeast or a little grated paneer

🍳 Instructions:

  1. Heat oil in a deep pan or pot. Add cumin seeds and let them sizzle.
  2. Add chopped onion, garlic, ginger, and green chilies. Sauté until translucent.
  3. Stir in tomatoes and cook until soft. Add turmeric, chili powder, garam masala, and salt.
  4. Add all chopped veggies. Sauté for 2-3 minutes.
  5. Add the dry pasta and pour in 2.5 to 3 cups of water or broth.
  6. Stir well, cover, and cook on medium heat, stirring occasionally so pasta doesn’t stick.
  7. Cook for 10-12 minutes (or per pasta package instructions) until pasta is al dente and liquid is mostly absorbed.
  8. Stir in spinach and lemon juice in the last 2 minutes. Let wilt.
  9. Taste and adjust salt/spices. Garnish with cilantro.

🥄 Tips for Extra Nutrition:

  • Add chickpeas or tofu for protein.
  • Use millet or lentil pasta for a gluten-free option.
  • Add 1 tbsp nut butter or coconut milk for creamy texture (optional).