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Often, people are found wandering around the street in search of the beloved Indian street food, dahi bhalla. This is a popular snack option that is made with deep-fried lentil dumplings, which are soaked in yoghurt and topped with tangy chutneys and spices.
Dahi Bhalla is quite flavourful and refreshing and makes you ask for more. Just as it is delicious in taste, the traditional Dahi Bhalla is not so nutritious for our health. Dahi bhallas are generally loaded with heavy calories and fats. However, this does not mean saying goodbye to beloved Dahi Bhalla. Instead, you can make it healthy and nutritious by experimenting with the cooking process and ingredients. Here are some tips to make Dahi Bhalla healthier. Take a look:
- Opt For Whole Grain Or Legume-Based Dumplings
Often, there is a common practice of using refined flour or maida for dumplings. To make it healthier, use whole-grain flour like whole wheat or legume-based flour like besan. They are high in fibre and protein, making them more nutritious and filling. You can also add grated carrots or spinach to the batter of the dumplings for extra vitamins and minerals.
- Bake Or Air-Fry The Dumplings
While making Dahi Bhalla, the dumplings are generally deep-fried, which results in the addition of extra calories and unhealthy fats. To make it healthier, try baking or air-frying the dumplings. Shape the batter into small dumplings and bake them in the oven or air fryer until they are golden brown and crispy. This method helps reduce the usage of oil while achieving a crispy texture at the same time.
- Use Low-Fat Yoghurt
In dahi bhalla, the dumplings are soaked in dahi or yoghurt. Here, instead of using full-fat yoghurt, opt for low-fat or fat-free yoghurt to reduce the calorie and fat content of the dish. You can also choose Greek yoghurt, as it is high in protein and low in fat compared to regular yoghurt. To use it in the dahi bhalla, whisk the yoghurt until smooth and creamy and then dip the dumplings to ensure a fine texture and flavour.
- Healthy Toppings
Traditional Dahi Bhalla has sweet and tangy chutneys as toppings. However, consider healthier options like chopped fresh herbs, diced vegetables, or homemade salsa. These toppings not only contribute to additional flavour and texture but also provide nutritional value for health. You can also drizzle a small amount of mint or tamarind chutneys for a burst of flavour, cutting on sugar and calories.
- Control Portion Size
To maintain a healthy lifestyle, practice portion control, even with Dahi Bhalla. Enjoy smaller servings to satisfy cravings and pair them with salad or soup for volume without extra calories. Mindful eating aids digestion and prevents overindulgence.
- Experiment With Alternative Ingredients
Don’t restrict yourself from getting creative with Dahi Bhalla by experimenting with alternative ingredients to enhance its nutritional value. For instance, in the dahi bhalla, you can add baked whole-grain crackers or roasted chickpeas for a healthier crunch. You can also use natural sweeteners like honey or maple, thus cutting down on sugar in chutneys.
