10 Healthy Ways To Make Indian Curry

Thursday, May 15, 2014, 13:02 [IST]

There are many adjectives associated with a traditional Indian curry like spicy, juicy or zesty. But 'healthy' is a term which is reserved for stews in India. Most Indian curries are not considered healthy because they are oily and spicy. But the quintessential Indian curry can be healthy. You can make an Indian curry which is not only healthy but also lives up to the standards of your taste.

TIPS TO EAT HEALTH INDIAN FOOD OUTSIDE

Indian food is packaged to the West as a delicious range of spicy, red coloured gravies. However, there is more to Indian food than its phenomenal spice content. You can make healthy Indian food by opting for a limited potion of spices. Mostly, Indian curries are cooked with a combination of many spices and all these spices are sauteed in oil. You can cook healthy Indian curry, if you change your style of cooking.

The key to making low fat Indian curry is to limit the amount of oil you put into it. Changing your traditional oils to healthier options like olive oil will also make a huge difference. So, it not so much about what you put in the curry but how you cook the curry that is important. Some simple alterations can help you make healthy Indian curry at home.

Here are some ways to make your favourite Indian curry healthy and tasty as well.

Use Oil Only For Tempering

Usually, all the spices and ingredients of the curry are fried together in a kadai for making curry. Instead, use oil only for tempering or giving 'tadka' to the curry.

Use Whole Spices

Whole spices give flavour to your curry just like powdered spices. However, they are usually fresher and do not contain chemicals.

Use Yoghurt In Curry To Thicken It

Instead of thickening the curry with cashew paste or cream, you can use probiotic yogurt to thicken your curries. It also adds some lovely sour flavour to the curries.

Use Fresh Tomatoes Instead Of Bottled Sauces

Tomato puree is a staple in most Indian curries. Try to use freshly chopped tomatoes instead of tomato sauce to cook your curries. The dish will taste better and contain less preservatives.

Use Green Chillies To Spice Up

Green chillies can be a good alternative to decrease the spice content of the curries. Green chillies are healthy spices and do not burn your gut like red chili powder does.

Pepper Instead Of Red Chillies

Dry red chillies are often used to temper your curries. The zest of pepper gives the same zingy flavour to your curries as red chillies do. But pepper is generally considered a healthy spice.

Olive Oil In Place Of Mustard/Coconut Oil

Olive oil is the only oil that is completely heart healthy. So, even if you love the flavour of your traditional mustard oil or coconut oil, using olive oil would make your Indian curry healthy.

Cook With One Spice

Instead of cooking many different spices at the same time, cook with one spice. For example, cumin is a very healthy spice. You can have a curry cooked only with green chillies or cumin for flavour. Similarly, you can use lots of coriander to cook another curry that will be equally healthy and uncomplicated.

Pressure Cook Instead Of Using Kadai

When you cook in the kadai, you tend to use more oil than you need to. Cooking curries in the pressure cooker can be a healthier option for Indian food.