Sawan, or the monsoon month of Shravan is filled with many enjoyable rituals and festivals. But it is also a time for abstinence and the practice of control over the body and mind. Some choose to keep away from foods containing onions and garlic during this month, while others choose to go on a fruit and water fast. Many opt for complete vegetarianism in Sawan and practice intermittent fasting for its multiple health benefits.
During this time, it is important to ensure that the body gets its required amount of nutrients despite keeping away from certain foods. Ensuring proper intake of protein, carbohydrates and fibre is critical for improving digestion and warding off seasonal diseases and infection. Tothat effect, including all essential food groups in the two meals of the day becomes increasingly important during Sawan. Here are some easy low-calorie paneer stir-fry recipes for a vegetarian dinner full of protein that quickly induces a feeling of satiety, prevents overeating and assures an adequate nutrient intake:
Stir-Fried Capsicum And Paneer
Temper some ginger-garlic paste, chillies, turmeric and cumin powder and toss in sliced capsicum and chunks of paneer for a simple stir-fry tossed in Indian masalas. Keep the spice levels at bay to promote good digestion. Shallow fry the paneer separately and then add it to the pan for a slightly indulgent variation.
Chilly Garlic Paneer
A simple recipe with an Asian twist, chilly garlic paneer can be easily whipped up at home for a nutritious and filling meal flavoured with soy sauce, vinegar and crushed garlic. Add red and yellow bell peppers, capsicum and chillies to the stir-fry. Bell peppers are rich in anti-oxidants, vitamin C and fibre and will add another layer of nutrients to the protein-rich meal.
Pan-Fried Paneer
On those days when the body feels particularly heavy or bloated, simply shallow fry some paneer and lightly toss it in butter with a seasoning of salt, pepper and paprika or red chilli powder. Avoid making the paneer too spicy to promote healthy digestion during monsoons when the fire in the stomach is already burning low, making the digestive process more lethargic.
Garlic Mushroom Paneer Stir-Fry
Chop generous helpings of garlic and add them to some butter and chilli flakes to make garlic mushrooms. Toss in chopped paneer chunks and season with salt, pepper and oregano for a delicious stir-fry recipe. Garlic mushrooms are mouthwatering on their own, but paired with paneer they also make for a more nutritious and filling one-dish dinner.
Paneer Broccoli Stir-Fry
Make a healthier version of a protein-rich veggie stir-fry by adding some steamed and chopped broccoli to a pan along with crushed paneer. Broccoli has numerous health benefits from a high fibre content to enzymes that boost immunity and reduce inflammation. Paired with broccoli, this stir-fried paneer dish becomes a low-calorie meal beneficial for fat loss.
Vegetable Paneer Stir Fry
Chop vegetables like carrots, French beans, capsicum, tomatoes and whatever else is available in the fridge to toss into a pan for a vegetable and paneer stir-fry. Make sure you adjust the quantity of veggies and paneer so that the body gets its required protein intake. You can crush the paneer in and add turmeric, red chilli powder and ginger-garlic paste for making a variation of paneer-bhurji with veggies.