The monsoons have arrived and it’s time to feel respite from that scorching heat. The pitter-patter of raindrops makes us crave for hot chai, pakoras and all other deep-fried stuff. And if you are one of those healthy eaters, worried about consuming greasy, oily foods that can cause a wide range of health problems from indigestion to upping the levels of cholesterol, we suggest you try something different.

This time around, turn to Northeastern cuisine. We bring you two lip-smacking recipes – Daineiiong for mains and Pukhlein for dessert from Meghalaya- the abode of clouds.

Meghalaya is home to two wettest places on earth – Cherrapunji and Mawsynram and these dishes form their staple diet, top the list of comfort foods, especially during heavy rainy season.

Easy-to-make, high on protein, iron and all other necessary nutrients, these delicious recipes improve your immunity, soothe the tummy and help in fighting monsoon infections.

Read on, to know more about these delicious and healthy recipes.

Daineiiong recipe

Daineiiong – Traditional Red Lentil Curry

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup masoor dal
  • 3 cups water
  • 1 tbsp black sesame seeds
  • 2 tsp ginger garlic paste
  • 1 tsp mustard oil
  • 1 small cup of finely chopped onions, for garnish
  • Salt to taste

Method:

Soak masoor dal for 15 minutes. Pressure cook until it turns soft. Mash it and keep it aside.

In a pan, heat mustard oil, sauté sesame seeds. Allow it to cool.

In a mixer, make sesame seeds paste by adding 2 teaspoons of water.

Add mustard oil and ginger garlic paste to sesame seed mixture and give it a stir.

Add it to cooked lentils with salt. Let is simmer for 5 minutes.

Garnish with finely chopped raw onions and serve it hot with rice.

Nutritional Facts:

Masoor dal is loaded with fiber and protein. Black sesame seeds are a staple cooking ingredient in Meghalaya and these seeds being rich in healthy fats like poly-unsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and omega-6 fatty acids, provide substantial amounts of energy. Ginger, garlic and onion are high on anti-inflammatory properties, relieve body pain and are rich in vitamins and minerals. When consumed with rice, carbs provide instant energy making it a well-balanced nutritious meal.

Pukhlein – Customary Jaggery And Rice Flour Dessert

Pukhlein

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup jaggery
  • 1 cup oil
  • 1 cup rice flour
  • Cardamom, for taste
  • Water, as required

Method:

In a sauce pan, add jaggery, cardamom with a little bit of water. Allow it to melt.

Slowly, add rice flour to this mixture, keep stirring to avoid lumps.

When the mixture reaches a batter like consistency, take it off the flame and allow it to cool.

In a pan, add oil for shallow frying the batter. Slowly add a spoonful of the mixture in the form of balls and fry until it turns golden brown in colour.

Serve hot.

Nutritional Facts:

Jaggery contains abundant reserves of iron, a vital mineral for regulating blood flow, along with significant amounts of the B vitamins, and the trace minerals - magnesium, potassium and manganese. Rice flour is a healthy source of carbohydrates that provides us with instant energy. Cardamom contains vitamin C, which aids in building immunity and the minerals – calcium and magnesium guarantee stronger bones.