COVID-19, the lethal infectious disease caused due to the SARS-CoV-2 strain of coronavirus, has assumed catastrophic proportions across the globe, affecting more than 1.5 million people. Due to the rapid pace at which this respiratory illness spreads from an afflicted person to a healthy individual, countries all over the world have imposed strict lockdowns on their citizens, with stay-at-home and work from home orders and only essential goods being available in stores.
Enhance your metabolism and immunity with our wide range of health and nutrition supplements!
In India, the 21-day lockdown currently in effect until April 14, might be extended for a longer period and this has certainly caused families staying indoors much worry, as food items and common ingredients are at times not available in the grocery stores.
In many Indian households, stocking up idli and dosa batter in the refrigerator every week is a practice, as it comes in handy during breakfast or at dinner. With the short supply of pulses, relishing these protein-rich dishes every other day may look tough but don’t lose your heart yet!
Idlis and dosas can be made in various varieties sans urad dal or Bengal gram and even rice. Also Read: Healthy Snacks To Eat While On Quarantine And Work Smart From Home
Try these two easy-to-make, delicious and healthy recipes of idli and dosa which can serve as an alternative to the traditional rice-dal based batter.
Wheat Dosa
Ingredients:
1 cup wheat flour
1 cup rice flour
2 -3 green chillies
A small piece of ginger
2 tsp cumin seeds/jeera
6 - 8 curry leaves
Salt, as needed
4 cups of water
Sesame oil for making dosas
1 tsp mustard seeds
A pinch of hing
Method:
In a bowl, mix together wheat flour, rice flour, green chilies, ginger, cumin seeds, curry leaves and salt.
Add water little at a time and mix well so that there are no lumps.
Heat a tsp of oil, add mustard seeds, when it splutters, add hing and pour it into the dosa batter and mix well.
Heat a tawa on medium flame, pour a ladle of wheat dosa batter, and add oil along the sides.
Cook thoroughly on side other, flip the dosa and cook well on the other side too, until it turns a light brown in colour.
Serve the wheat dosas hot with sambar, for a complete breakfast.
Nutrition:
Wheat flour supplies ample calories and is a source of instant energy, besides dietary fibers and proteins to aid in digestion, weight loss and muscle strength. Ginger contains a treasure trove of vitamins like B3, B6, C, minerals like iron and zinc as well as the antioxidant gingerol, which helps in nervous system function, immunity, blood transport and free radical elimination. Curry leaves are packed with flavonoids and amino acids which enhance skin and hair health. Cumin seeds are a rich source of calcium and magnesium for fortifying bones and joints. Also Read: 8 Impressive Health Benefits Of Cumin
Rava Idli
Ingredients:
1.5 cups rava
1 tbsp vegetable oil
1 tsp mustard seeds
2 tsp chana dal, soaked for 10 minutes
1 green chili, finely chopped
2 tsp finely chopped ginger
7-8 curry leaves
1 cup water
½ cup plain yogurt
½ tsp baking soda
salt, to taste
Method:
In a pan on medium heat, add vegetable oil and saute mustard seeds.
Once the mustard seeds pop add the curry leaves, the soaked chana dal, chopped green chili and chopped ginger.
Add the rava to the pan, keep stirring on medium heat.
Transfer the roasted rava into a big bowl, add the yogurt and mix well.
Add water and salt to make a thick batter. Cover the bowl and let it rest for 20 minutes. Then add the baking soda to the batter.
Prepare the idlis in a pressure cooker or idli cooker. Coat the idli stand with a bit of oil, spread it evenly, pour the rava idli batter onto all the portions and steam for around 10-15 minutes.
Serve the rava idlis hot with chutney and dry chilli powder.
Nutrition:
Rava or semolina (sooji) is cholesterol-free, thus enhancing heart wellness besides providing carbs and fibers for energy, glucose metabolism and digestion. It also contains significant amounts of proteins for growth, development and key biochemical reactions in the body. Mustard seeds contain high levels of vitamin A, for enhanced vision and vitamin K, for regulating blood clotting processes. Chana dal supplies essential amino acids for the body’s protein requirements.
