Protein Power Lunchbox Option - Lentils
Lentils or masoor dal are used in various forms of cooking in India.
Soups, snacks and side dishes are a few variations.
The lentil has a dark grey covering which is de-husked to get the red dal.
Whole lentil with the outer cover is much healthy option.
A major source of protein, lentils provide essential amino-acids- the building blocks of our body.
Pulses should make an essential part of meal for the growing children and pregnant women.
Soluble fiber in beans help lower the cholesterol and thus protect against high blood pressure and heart diseases.
Low glycemic index of pulses regulate the blood sugar levels and stabilize the metabolism.
Fibers in legumes gives the feeling of satiation for a longer time, keeping a check on obesity.
A recipe of lentils which can be served with bread or plain rice.
Ingredients : ·2 tbsp.
of lentil ·1 onion ·1 tomato ·1 tsp ginger-garlic paste ·1 tsp coriander powder ·1/2 tsp turmeric ·1 green chilly ·a pinch of asafoetida ·salt as required ·1 tbsp oil ·1/2 tsp cumin seeds(jeera) ·water 1 cup Method : Wash the lentils and soak it for 15 minutes.
Slice onion and tomato.
Heat oil in a kadai and add cumin seeds.
Add sliced onion, tomato and ginger-garlic paste, fry the ingredients for 5 minutes.
Mix in rest of the ingredients and let it simmer for 20 minutes or till done.
Use pressure cooker to speed up the cooking.
Garnish with fresh coriander.
Serve the lentil dish with hot chapattis or plain rice.
Note : ·-Add grated carrots or spinach to increase the nutritive value of the recipe.
·-Leftover dal can be mixed with wheat flour to get wholesome chapattis the next day.
·-Increase the quantity of water to make it a nourishing soup.
·-Use the whole lentil with skin for healthy meal.
Soups, snacks and side dishes are a few variations.
The lentil has a dark grey covering which is de-husked to get the red dal.
Whole lentil with the outer cover is much healthy option.
A major source of protein, lentils provide essential amino-acids- the building blocks of our body.
Pulses should make an essential part of meal for the growing children and pregnant women.
Soluble fiber in beans help lower the cholesterol and thus protect against high blood pressure and heart diseases.
Low glycemic index of pulses regulate the blood sugar levels and stabilize the metabolism.
Fibers in legumes gives the feeling of satiation for a longer time, keeping a check on obesity.
A recipe of lentils which can be served with bread or plain rice.
Ingredients : ·2 tbsp.
of lentil ·1 onion ·1 tomato ·1 tsp ginger-garlic paste ·1 tsp coriander powder ·1/2 tsp turmeric ·1 green chilly ·a pinch of asafoetida ·salt as required ·1 tbsp oil ·1/2 tsp cumin seeds(jeera) ·water 1 cup Method : Wash the lentils and soak it for 15 minutes.
Slice onion and tomato.
Heat oil in a kadai and add cumin seeds.
Add sliced onion, tomato and ginger-garlic paste, fry the ingredients for 5 minutes.
Mix in rest of the ingredients and let it simmer for 20 minutes or till done.
Use pressure cooker to speed up the cooking.
Garnish with fresh coriander.
Serve the lentil dish with hot chapattis or plain rice.
Note : ·-Add grated carrots or spinach to increase the nutritive value of the recipe.
·-Leftover dal can be mixed with wheat flour to get wholesome chapattis the next day.
·-Increase the quantity of water to make it a nourishing soup.
·-Use the whole lentil with skin for healthy meal.