Extreme Health USA Ultimate Guides to Healthy Eating

🍛 Cooking Healthy Indian Food: A Step-by-Step Guide 🌱

Learn how to cook healthy Indian food with our step-by-step guide. Gather your ingredients, prepare the lentils, make the tadka, combine and cook, and garnish and serve. Get started now!

Cooking Healthy Indian Food: A Step-by-Step Guide

Ingredients for Dal Tadka on a kitchen counter
Gather Your Ingredients
You will need lentils (1 cup), onion (1, finely chopped), tomatoes (2, finely chopped), green chilies (2, slit), ginger-garlic paste (1 tsp), turmeric powder (1/2 tsp), red chili powder (1/2 tsp), cumin seeds (1/2 tsp), ghee or oil (2 tbsp), and fresh coriander leaves for garnishing. For a healthier version, you can use olive oil instead of ghee.
Pot of boiling lentils on a stove
Prepare the Lentils
Rinse the lentils thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear. Then, add the lentils to a pot with 3 cups of water, the turmeric powder, and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until the lentils are tender (around 20 minutes).
Frying pan with sautéed onions, chilies, and tomatoes
Prepare the Tadka
While the lentils are cooking, heat the oil in a pan. Add the cumin seeds and allow them to crackle. Then add the finely chopped onion, green chilies, and ginger-garlic paste. Sauté until the onions are golden brown. Now add the chopped tomatoes and red chili powder. Cook until the tomatoes are soft and the oil starts to separate.
Cooked lentils being added to the pan with tadka
Combine and Cook
Now, add the cooked lentils to the pan with the tadka. Stir well to combine. Simmer for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Adjust the seasoning as needed.
Bowl of Dal Tadka garnished with coriander leaves, served with brown rice
Garnish and Serve
Garnish your Dal Tadka with fresh coriander leaves. Serve it hot with brown rice or whole wheat rotis for a complete, balanced meal.

Are you craving a delicious and healthy Indian meal? Look no further! We've got you covered with our step-by-step guide to cooking healthy Indian food. In this guide, we will walk you through the process of making a mouthwatering dish called Dal Tadka. Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with the flavors of India!

To start off, gather your ingredients. You will need lentils, onion, tomatoes, green chilies, ginger-garlic paste, turmeric powder, red chili powder, cumin seeds, ghee or oil, and fresh coriander leaves for garnishing. For a healthier version, you can use olive oil instead of ghee.

Next, it's time to prepare the lentils. Rinse the lentils thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear. Then, add the lentils to a pot with water, turmeric powder, and a pinch of salt. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until the lentils are tender.

While the lentils are cooking, let's prepare the tadka. Heat the oil in a pan and add the cumin seeds. Allow them to crackle, then add the finely chopped onion, green chilies, and ginger-garlic paste. Sauté until the onions are golden brown. Now, add the chopped tomatoes and red chili powder. Cook until the tomatoes are soft and the oil starts to separate.

Once the lentils are cooked, add them to the pan with the tadka. Stir well to combine and simmer for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Adjust the seasoning as needed.

Now comes the best part – garnish and serve! Sprinkle fresh coriander leaves on top of your Dal Tadka. Serve it hot with brown rice or whole wheat rotis for a complete and balanced meal. The combination of flavors and textures will leave you wanting more.

Cooking healthy Indian food doesn't have to be complicated. With our step-by-step guide, you'll be able to recreate this flavorful dish in no time. So, put on your apron and get ready to indulge in the rich and aromatic spices of India. Happy cooking!

Remember, at Extreme Health USA, we're here to guide you on your journey to healthy eating. Whether you're a picky eater or a food lover, we have something for everyone. Stay tuned for more tips, guides, and articles on a variety of healthy foods and diets.

For more delicious lentil recipes, check out our Healthy Halal Lentil Curry Recipe or this Hearty Vegan Lentil Soup Recipe. If you're looking for more Indian recipes, you might enjoy this 30-Minute Vegan Indian Recipes article. And if you want to learn more about the health benefits of Indian cuisine, check out our article on Unmasking the Health Factor in Indian Cuisine.