Almost every kind of weight loss diet would advise you to have enough protein. In addition to building muscles, protein helps promote satiety. If you are feeling full, you are much less likely to binge on other fattening foods around you. Protein also plays a crucial role in regulating hunger hormone ghrelin. When your ghrelin levels are under check, you tend to crave less. Vegetarians often struggle to find enough protein-based sources. But Indian cuisine is filled with plant-based foods that are not only enriched with protein but can also be used in a bevy of dishes. Dal, or lentil, is one such versatile ingredient that is bursting with protein and weight-loss friendly fibres. Dal is an indispensable part of Indian cuisine. It is not only high in protein level but also keeps heart healthy by lowering cholesterol levels. Dal is excellent for healthy bones and also aids in weight loss.
We consume dal with roti and rice almost every day for our regular meals. But, there is so much more that you can do with the humble lentils. Not just regular dal, you can make many interesting meals and snacks with lentils that are delicious and easy to make as well. So, fill your diet with more of proteins and fibre, as we present to you some great dal-based recipes ideas that are a must try.
Here's All That You Can Prepare With Dal In Your High Protein Diet:
1. Palak Dal Khichdi
India's favourite comfort food khichdi could prove to be your ideal protein-fix too. This special khichdi is packed with the goodness of dal, spinach, rice, red chilli, curry leaves and a pool of rustic spices. Make sure you have it piping hot. You can team it with tangy chutney or spicy pickle and papad for the best experience.
(Also Read: Khichdi: What Makes It The Ultimate Indian Comfort Food?)
2. Moong Dal Chilla
The yummy desi breakfast staple is a storehouse of protein too. Moong dal is said to be the most enriched in protein, as compared to other dals. Did you know that 100 grams of moong dal have about 24 grams of protein? Chilla is a pancake-like dish that is enjoyed standalone or with pickle. To make sure you chilla is more weight-loss friendly, make sure you keep the oil content low.
(Also Read: Chila, The Great Indian Breakfast: Protein-Packed and Low in Calories)
3. Dal Shorba
Dal shorba is a yummy dal-based soup that is an intrinsic part of any quintessential North Indian spread. Shorba is usually very filling. And since the water content of the dish is so high, you end up saving many calories too.
(Also Read: Shorba: The Flavourful Indian Soup Perfect For this Nippy Weather)
4. Lentil Coconut Curry
A simple and soothing curry made with the goodness of tur dal, coconut milk and aromatic spices is so deliciously mild and protein-rich that you can have this dal on a daily basis. You can team it with piping hot rice for the best experience.
5. Channa Dal Dhokla
Dhokla is said to be one of the healthiest Indian snacks. Since it is not deep-fried, dhokla saves you many calories that come with deep-fried goods. It is made of fermented batter. Fermentation increases the bio-availability of all nutrients present in the food. According to experts, fermented foods are also good for the gut. This fluffy dhokla is made with the goodness of chana dal and tempered with mustard seeds and chilli.
(Also Read: 6 Best Dhokla Recipes | Easy Dhokla Recipes | Gujarati Recipes)
Weight loss: Dhokla is said to be one of the healthiest Indian snacks
6. Dal Paratha
Paratha is the most versatile dish there can ever be. A paratha can be made with various kinds of stuffing or flours kneaded along with various kinds of foods. Dal paratha is an excellent option as it tastes great and can go well with your usual curd or chutney. You simply have to knead the dough with leftover dal or make a filling of boiled and mashed dal. Either way, dal paratha tastes delicious. Have it for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Move over aloo paratha, this dal paratha is going to be your next favourite meal.
7. Moong Dal Pakoda
Pakodas or fritters are the best thing to have with your evening cup of tea. If you love pyaaz pakoda, mirch pakoda or paneer pakoda, that means you a fritters fan, and you'll definitely love this moong dal pakoda too. Fried fritters are made from soaked and ground lentils. Pair these pakodas with your favourite mint chutney and you'll have a tasty snack ready. It is also a great snack to serve your guests with something unique and different.
8. Dal Ki Kachori
Kachori is a popular snack of Indian cuisine and there are many varieties available. But, but moong dal kachori is one of the most popular ones. Kachori is deep-fried bread stuffed with a spicy filling. For this, moong dal is cooked and spiced and then converted into a flavourful mash that makes this kachori a delightful treat.
(Also Read: 5 Unique And Delicious Lentil-Based Desserts You'd Love To Try!)
Kachori made with moong dal is one of the most popular Indian snacks.
9. Dal Ki Chutney
Indian thali is not complete without the accompaniment of chutney. Be it mint chutney, pudina chutney or mango chutney, any bland dish gets interesting with a dollop of any of these chutneys. Dal chutney is another kind of chutney, which may not be so commonly consumed but is equally appetising. The best part about this chutney is that it is made with the combination of various dals – arhar dal, moong dhuli dal, urad daal and chana dal. This chutney is going to be a protein blockbuster.
Try all these recipes and let us know which ones you liked the most in the comments section below.