As the monsoon gets intense, it is hard to curb the craving for some crispy, golden fried snacks. The sound of raindrops tapping at the windows with the aroma of some hot pakoras and samosas is too hard to resist, and then comes the urge to indulge. However, all these mouth-watering fried delicacies turn into a form of guilt if one is watching their diet. But wouldn't it be great if you could enjoy your favourite fried foods and not blow your health goals? A few smart tweaks, and those monsoon cravings need not ruin your diet. Here's how to indulge in fried foods a little more healthily.
Go for Air Frying
Traditional frying involves a lot of oil and extra, quite unnecessary calories and fat in our diet. An air fryer uses hot air while cooking the food and gives that similar crispy texture with absolutely no extra oil. So, it can easily become a wonderful way to have all your favourite fried snacks, from pakoras to French fries, with considerably fewer calories. This also cuts down on the intake of unhealthy trans-fatty acids, hence making the meal much healthier.
Use Healthier Oils
When frying, the choice of oil does matter. Oils such as olive oil, avocado oil, and coconut oil are better compared to regular vegetable or palm oil. Such oils have more amounts of healthy fats in them and a higher smoke point, meaning they are more stable when temperatures are higher, thereby reducing the formation of dangerous compounds when food is cooked. So, switch to these oils to make your fried foods a bit more heart-friendly.
Add a Healthy Coating
Instead of refined flour or breadcrumbs, that are high in simple carbs, use healthier alternatives to coat your food. Whole wheat flour, oats, or even almonds/walnuts crushed into crumbs present a healthy spin to many of your favourite fried snacks. The coatings provide extra fiber, vitamins, and minerals with that extra crunch to your foods and will, therefore, fill you up nice and full and not raise your blood sugar levels.
Add Some Veggies
Increase the nutritional value of your fried foods by including more vegetables. Mix grated carrots, spinach, or zucchini into a batter for making pakoras or go veggie-based with snacks such as sweet potato fries or zucchini chips. Vegetables are high in fibre, vitamins, and antioxidants that help to balance out the unhealthy elements associated with fried foods. Plus, they add extra flavour and texture to your dish.
Control Portion Sizes
Even when you are making healthier versions of fried foods, portion control is the key. Fried snacks are easy to overeat, especially on a cosy monsoon evening. Pair your fried foods with a light salad or a small portion of a light soup for a well-balanced meal. That way, you get to indulge in the food without overindulging in the calories.