Following a ketogenic diet can be challenging for those who love traditional desi cuisine. However, with a little creativity and modification, it is possible to enjoy your favorite Indian dishes while staying true to your ketogenic lifestyle.
What is Desi Keto Food?
Desi keto food refers to a modified version of traditional South Asian cuisine that follows the principles of a ketogenic diet. A ketogenic diet is a high-fat, low-carb diet that aims to put the body in a state of ketosis, where it burns fat for energy instead of carbohydrates. Desi keto food includes traditional Indian and Pakistani dishes that are adapted to eliminate or reduce high-carb ingredients like rice, wheat, potatoes, and sugar. Instead, these dishes use low-carb substitutes like cauliflower, almond flour, and coconut flour. Desi keto food is flavorful, nutritious, and can be enjoyed by anyone looking to follow a ketogenic diet while still enjoying the taste of traditional South Asian cuisine.
Here are six desi keto recipes that you must try!
1. Keto Chicken Korma
This creamy and aromatic dish is a classic Indian recipe that is traditionally served with naan or rice. To make it keto-friendly, we will substitute rice with cauliflower rice. For this recipe, you will need boneless chicken, onions, ginger-garlic paste, tomatoes, ghee, coconut cream, and a blend of spices.
Taste: Creamy and Spicy
Total time: 30 minutes
Prep time: 10 minutes
Calories per serving: 380
2. Keto Paneer Tikka
Paneer tikka is a popular appetizer or snack in India. To make it keto-friendly, we will use a mixture of spices, yogurt, and paneer cheese. The paneer cheese is marinated in the spice mixture and then grilled or broiled until it's golden brown. This recipe is easy to make and takes only 20 minutes to prepare.
Taste: Spicy
Total time: 20 minutes
Prep time: 10 minutes
Calories per serving: 240
3. Keto Palak Paneer
Palak paneer is a healthy and nutritious dish that is made with spinach and paneer cheese. To make it keto-friendly, we will use ghee instead of oil and substitute the high-carb potatoes with cauliflower. The dish is flavored with ginger-garlic paste, cumin seeds, and garam masala.
Taste: Creamy and Spicy
Total time: 40 minutes
Prep time: 15 minutes
Calories per serving: 330
4. Keto Keema Matar
Keema matar is a flavorful dish made with minced meat and peas. To make it keto-friendly, we will use ground lamb or beef and substitute the high-carb peas with green beans. The dish is flavored with ginger-garlic paste, garam masala, and turmeric powder.
Taste: Spicy
Total time: 30 minutes
Prep time: 10 minutes
Calories per serving: 420
5. Keto Egg Bhurji
Egg bhurji is a quick and easy recipe that is perfect for breakfast or brunch. To make it keto-friendly, we will use ghee instead of oil and add in some veggies like onions, tomatoes, and bell peppers. The dish is flavored with cumin seeds, turmeric powder, and red chili powder.
Taste: Spicy
Total time: 20 minutes
Prep time: 10 minutes
Calories per serving: 220
6. Keto Butter Chicken
Butter chicken is a popular Indian dish that is rich, creamy, and delicious. To make it keto-friendly, we will use heavy cream instead of regular cream and substitute the high-carb tomatoes with tomato paste. The dish is flavored with ginger-garlic paste, garam masala, and fenugreek leaves.
Taste: Creamy and Spicy
Total time: 35 minutes
Prep time: 10 minutes
Calories per serving: 380
What to Serve with These Desi Keto Dishes?
You can serve salad, raita, or sautéed vegetables on the side with these desi keto dishes. A simple green salad with lettuce, cucumbers, and tomatoes, dressed with lemon juice and olive oil, can add some freshness to the meal. Raita, which is a yogurt-based side dish, can be made with cucumber, mint, and cumin seeds and can help balance the spiciness of some dishes. For sautéed veggies, you can cook some broccoli, cauliflower, and green beans with ghee, garlic, and ginger for a flavorful and nutritious side dish. These sides will not only enhance the flavors of the main dishes but also add some additional fiber and nutrients to your meal.
These six Desi keto recipes are a great way to enjoy the flavors of traditional Indian cuisine while staying on track with your ketogenic diet. They are easy to prepare and use simple ingredients that you can find at your local grocery store. Whether you're a fan of chicken, paneer, lamb, or eggs, there's a recipe here that will satisfy your cravings. So, give them a try and enjoy the delicious taste of desi keto!