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The festive season in India means enjoying delicious meals and crispy farsan all day and night. Unfortunately, most of the dishes we usually relish during festivals can leave our stomachs feeling bloated and uneasy due to the cooking techniques that make the dishes heavy and oily.
We often face this uneasiness in our stomachs after consuming too many rich dishes and we crave a period of detox. So now that the festive season is almost over, it's time to give your stomach a little break from the heavy creams and deep-fried dishes.
Also read, 5 Benefits Of Eating A Light Dinner
Well for those days, here are some of the light yet delicious seven Indian dishes which are easy to make and will keep your stomach light.
1. Khichdi
The famous Indian dish Khichdi has maintained its essence as it continues to be light but nourishing. It mainly consists of rice and dal which ensures the right proportions of carbohydrates and proteins. It is seasoned with little spicy ingredients, hence easy to digest by people’s stomachs. Khichdi is commonly referred to as the comfort food although numerous regional varieties have made it a sought-after light fare that satisfies both the taste buds and gastrointestinal tract.
2. Curd Rice
Simplicity and taste go hand in hand when talking about curd rice, which is a popular South Indian dish. It's also known as Thayir Sadam in Tamil and Daddojanam in Telugu. It is made of cooked rice mixed with yoghurt and then tempered with mustard seeds, curry leaves, and green chillies, giving a refreshing and mildly rich taste. Curd rice, known for its cooling properties, provides comfort and nutrition to the stomach. Its smooth consistency and subtle flavours often serve as a pleasant end to an otherwise weighty meal.
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3. Mango Dal
Mango dal is simply a combination of lentils and ripe mangoes. Its blend of tartness and richness produces a wonderful combination that makes the entire dining experience enjoyable. The specific type of dal or lentil used for mango dal is Toor dal or pigeon pea. It is packed with protein and other essential nutrients that make it serve and satisfy as a good meal. These spices add to its aroma but make the dish lighter and more soothing on the stomach.
4. Idli
Idli is a very popular, healthy, lightly steamed pancake from Southern India due to its simplicity and nutrition. Idlis are made out of fermented rice and urad dal batter, which is considered nutritious, comprising a high amount of carbohydrates and protein; thus, ideally, a light meal. These round treats have a spongy texture and mild taste that is usually complemented by coconut chutney or sour sambar.
5. Dhokla
A beloved Gujarati snack food, it’s prepared using fermented rice and pulverised gram powder or batter. Its light texture and delicate taste make it an ideal snacking option in between meals. Dhokla is deliciously light to the stomach when spiced with mustard seeds, curry leaves, and green chills. Tangy chutney is served with these steamed delicacies which are so delicious and nutritious that they make a perfect meal for people looking for light but satisfactory dishes.
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Varan bhat, which is a delicious light dish from Maharashtra in India, comprises mashed yellow lentils prepared creamy yet lightly spiced with mustard seeds, cumin, and Curry leaves. This is a homestyle meal served with steamed rice that symbolises humility and satiety. Lentil's mildness is improved by mixing several spices, resulting in a delicious, healthy meal. Although Varan Bhat has become the main item in the Maharashtrian menu, this dish's light and tasty flavour still illustrates the essence of genuine taste and light food.
7. Lemon Rice
This is a lemony delicacy, appropriate if one wants a light bite with a dash of flavour rather than a heavy meal. Here we have a classic example of a South Indian dish; this is scented basmati rice with freshly squeezed lemon juice, mixed with mustard seeds, turmeric, and curry leaves. This results in a tasty, refreshing, aromatic rice dish that thrills your taste buds. It is an ideal stand-alone meal or can be eaten with grilled vegetables or plain curry for a light but fulfilling dinner.
