People are experiencing severe heat waves across the country in the ongoing summer season. The sun is beating down on people causing them to sweat and dehydrate oftentimes. For those working in the kitchen, it is impossible to stay in front of the gas stove for longer hours.
If you’re living alone and cooking for yourself, or your mom is preparing food for the whole family, it is essential to take breaks from the kitchen heat during the summer months. After cooking the whole day, you or your mother can prepare no-cooked meals at night. No-cook meals do not mean that they are essential non-nutritious. Besides, summer months demand light food intake so that you do not end up with food poisoning. This article will provide you with a list of food items that you can easily prepare without cooking. Take a look:
- Dahi Chawal
This is the traditional curd rice which is a common staple in every Indian household. This is a simple yet comforting dish. To prepare dahi chawal, combine cooked rice (preferably cooled) with plain yoghurt. You can add salt and garnish with fresh coriander leaves. To make it extra nutritious, you can add grated cucumber or carrot. This dish is cooling, probiotic-rich, and easy on the stomach.
- Paneer Sandwich
Paneer is a versatile ingredient that does not require cooking. To make a paneer sandwich, all you need to do is slice fresh paneer and place it in between the whole-grain bread slices. You can also add sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, and green chutney for flavour. Season the dish with chaat masala for a tangy twist. This sandwich is high in protein and is fulfilling without being heavy.
- Sprouted Moong Salad
Rich in protein and fibre, sprouted moong beans make an excellent base for a nutritious salad. You can mix sprouted moong with chopped tomatoes, onions, cucumbers, and green chillies. Squeeze some lemon juice and sprinkle some salt and chaat masala. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves which provide a burst of flavour.
- Fruit Chaat
This chaat is made of refreshing and sweet fruits and is a perfect option for summer dinner. You can combine seasonal fruits like watermelon, mango, apples, and grapes. Add a dash of lemon and sprinkle some chaat masala and fresh mint leaves. This dish is light, hydrating, and packed with vitamins.
- Paneer And Vegetable Skewers
For a quick no-cook dinner option, try making paneer and vegetable skewers. To prepare this, cut paneer into cubes and skewer them with cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, cucumbers, and olive oil. Drizzle a dressing made from olive oil, lemon juice, salt and pepper. This dish offers a perfect balance of protein, vitamins, and minerals.
- Aamras
Aamras is a beloved summer treat popular in India. All you need to do is blend ripe mangoes with sugar and a pinch of cardamom powder. Serve this with store-bought whole wheat puris for a delightful, light meal. The natural sweetness of mangoes makes it a satisfying and refreshing choice in the hot months.
- Chana Chaat
This is a delicious and hearty dish that requires no cooking. Simply combine boiled chickpeas with chopped onions, tomatoes, green chillies, and coriander leaves. For flavour add a dash of lemon juice, salt, and chaat masala. This dish is rich in protein and fibre, making it filling as well as healthy.
- Yoghurt Parfait With Nuts And Fruits
For the sweet tooth, make your no-cook dinner easy with yoghurt parfait with nuts and fruits. You can layer plain yoghurt with a mix of your favourite chopped fruits such as berries, bananas, and kiwi. For added nutrition and crunch, add a handful of nuts like almonds, walnuts, and pistachios. You can drizzle some honey for sweetness from the top. This parfait is rich in probiotics, vitamins, and healthy fats.