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Healthy Eating: Protein Papdi Chaat

protein papdi chaat

Chaats refer to a lip smacking delicacy made by bringing together a range of rustic masalas and chutneys. Isn’t there something about Indian Chaats that makes our mouth water instantly, just by thinking about them? For the longest time we have associated a plate of chat dripping with curd and chutneys to an unhealthy indulgence. But what if I were to tell you that chaats can be really beneficial to your health? Let’s try this healthy Protein Papdi Chaat recipe. 

What You Will Need 

For the papdi 

  • Wheat flour – 1 cup 
  • Soya flour – 1 cup 
  • Rava (semolina) – 1 cup 
  • Besan (chana flour) – 1 cup 
  • Ajwain (carom seeds) – 1 tsp 
  • Regular spices according to taste preference such as haldi, lal mirch powder, dhaniya powder and salt
  • Oil – 1 tbsp

For assembling the chaat 

  • Boiled chana – ½ cup 
  • Boiled corn – ½ cup 
  • Boiled potato (finely diced) – ½ cup 
  • Tomato (finely diced) – ½ cup
  • Onion (finely diced) – ½ cup
  • Cucumber (finely diced) – ½ cup
  • Carrot (finely grated) – ½ cup 
  • Pomegranate seeds – ½ cup 
  • Dry roasted peanuts and chana – ½ cup 
  • Curd – ½ cup 
  • Tamarind dates chutney – 1 tbsp 
  • Coriander mint chutney – 1 tbsp 
  • Chaat masala – 2 pinches 

How To Prepare 

  1. Knead a stiff dough of the papdi ingredients (all flours, all spices and a teaspoon of oil).
  2. Roll this dough into a big flat thin sheet and cut diamond shapes with a shankar para cutter or knife. You can also cut it into small discs with a cookie cutter.
  3. Brush these diamonds or discs of dough with the remaining oil and bake for 12 minutes at 1800c. Your protein rich papdi is ready. Store in an airtight jar.
  4. While making the chaat, break some of these papdi roughly with your hand into a bowl.
  5. Assemble all the other ingredients of the chaat into this bowl.
  6. Garnish with some chopped coriander leaves and chaat masala and serve immediately.

Benefits of the Protein Papdi Chaat 

  • This Protein Papdi Chaat is wholesome, delicious and can aid weight loss
  • Can prove to be a very sumptuous meal addition to your healthy yet tasty diet
  • The fresh ingredients and mix of spices make it super rich in vitamins, minerals and essential digestive properties. 
  • It is rich in fiber and protein, both of which induce a feeling of fullness and prevent overeating or resorting to fried and sugary preparations that are fattening.

We hope you enjoy this Protein Papdi Chaat recipe! Do try it out and share your experience in the comments below or share it on social media, tagging GOQii. For more healthy recipes, check out Healthy Reads or ask a GOQii Coach by subscribing for personalized health coaching here: https://goqiiapp.page.link/bsr

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Healthy Eating: Schezwan Dosa

schezwan dosa

Most of us are avoiding that delectable street food thanks to the monsoons. But, what can we do in those tiny moments of weakness when we crave it more during the rains? It’s only natural to feel this way after braving the scorching summer heat and facing the drop in temperature which makes our body crave for some nice warm, cozy, comfort food. While it may sound like a legitimate reason to indulge, let’s keep in mind that it needs to be healthy too! So here’s a mouthwatering street food recipe with a healthy twist – let’s learn to make some Schezwan Dosa! 

What You Will Need 

For Dosa:

  • Semolina – ½ cup 
  • Rice Flour – ½ cup 
  • Multigrain flour – ½ cup 
  • Curd – 1 cup 
  • Flaxseed powder – 1 tbsp 
  • Salt to taste 
  • Schezwan sauce – 2 tbsp 
  • Oil for cooking

For Stuffing: 

  • Oil – 2 tsp 
  • Chopped garlic – 1 tsp 
  • Spring onion – ¼ cup 
  • Carrot – ¼ cup 
  • Cabbage and capsicum – thin juliennes 
  • Schezwan sauce – 1 tbsp 
  • Salt to taste 
  • Lemon juice – 1 tsp 
  • Chopped Coriander – ¼ cup 

How To Prepare the Schezwan Dosa

  1. First, grind the Semolina into fine powder. 
  2. Now mix the rice flour, semolina powder, multigrain flour, flaxseed powder and curd together. 
  3. Whisk it and make a pouring consistency batter adding water. 
  4. Keep it aside for 15-20 minutes. Then add salt and whisk the batter once more.
  5. For the stuffing, heat oil in a pan and add all the vegetables along with salt. Sauté for 2-3 minutes. 
  6. Now add the schezwan sauce and lemon juice. Turn the gas off and cover the pan for 2 minutes.
  7. For the dosa, first heat a dosa tawa and spread a ladle full batter. Spread it over to get a round dosa. 
  8. Let it cook till the edges get light golden brown. 
  9. Now spread some schezwan sauce over the dosa and put the vegetable stuffing over it.
  10. By this time, the dosa is crispy and golden brown. Sprinkle some freshly chopped coriander leaves and fold the dosa over. 
  11. Serve hot with any sauce or chutney of your choice.

We’re sure you’ll enjoy this tasty, nutritious and delicious fusion of South Indian and Chinese cuisine, bringing back some of your fondest monsoon memories without compromising your health. Do let us know your thoughts in the comments below! 

For more healthy recipes, check out Healthy Reads or ask a GOQii Coach by subscribing for personalized health coaching here: https://goqiiapp.page.link/bsr

You can also purchase some nutrient-rich Schezwan Sauce from the GOQii Health Store within the GOQii app for a discount using your GOQii Cash! 

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Nigella Seeds- A Remedy For Everything But Death

Nigella SeedsThere are innumerable seeds that can do wonders for our health due to their unique properties. We hear of a few of these on a day-to-day basis and there are some which we’re not aware of. One of these ‘least heard of’ seeds are Nigella Seeds!

Nigella Seeds are obtained from an annual flowering plant called ‘Nigella Sativus’. Speaking of origins, the oil of Nigella Seeds was found in the Egyptian tomb of Tutankhamun, dating back to approximately 3,300 years ago. It is believed that the Islamic prophet Mohammed declared these seeds as ‘a remedy for all diseases except death’. Isn’t that incredible?

Nigella Seeds are also known as kalonji, black caraway, black cumin, black seeds, fennel flower, nutmeg flower, roman coriander, and wild onion seed. They are loaded with phenomenal benefits, offering protection against several health conditions.

What Health Benefits Do Nigella Seeds Provide? 

These seeds provide massive health benefits. They have been known for their healing properties since time immemorial. From simple conditions to deadly diseases, these seeds can help alleviate several conditions. Here are some of their benefits:

  • Type 2 Diabetes: Nigella seeds can trigger the regeneration of the dying beta cells within the diabetic’s pancreas. Scientific studies have shown that 2g of nigella seeds everyday could result in reduced fasting blood sugar levels, along with decreased insulin resistance, increased beta-cell functioning and reduced glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c).
  • Hypertension: These seeds can help lower blood pressure significantly and can also help reduce bad cholesterol (LDL).
  • Infections: Being anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, antioxidant and antiviral in nature, they are known to smack down various deadly infections including MRSA (which is an antibiotic-resistant bacterial infection), H. Pylori infection, psoriasis, etc.
  • Cancer: These seeds have shown to have miraculous effects in various types of cancer including colon, breast, brain, oral, leukemia and cervical cancer. A chemical compound extracted from nigella seeds, called thymoquinone, has an ability to stimulate apoptosis (cell death). Thus, slowing down cancer progression and arresting the spread of the cancer.
  • Brain conditions: Nigella seeds are known to possess anticonvulsive properties and can thereby reduce the seizure activity.
  • Glioblastoma: It is one of the most aggressive brain tumors of all and thymoquinone can induce cell death in the glioblastoma cells.
  • Brain lead toxicity: These seeds can reverse the damage caused to the brain due to lead toxicity and also radiation-induced damage.
  • Parkinson’s disease: Thymoquinone from these seeds has been shown to protect the neurons from toxicity associated with Parkinson’s disease and dementia.
  • Asthma: Being anti-inflammatory and bronchodilator in nature, these seeds play a huge role in improving asthmatic symptoms. Apparently, thymoquinone is considered superior to the drugs used for asthma.
  • Digestive issues: The seeds are extremely effective for indigestion and bowel issues. They can prevent formation of gas or facilitate the expulsion of gas, thereby combating flatulence.
  • Sore throat: The seeds can reduce throat pain and soreness and are also used in the treatment of acute tonsil inflammation. They literally reduce our dependence on painkillers.

Apart from the above, these seeds are also used to induce post-natal uterine contraction and are also useful in promoting lactation. They are one of the effective galactagogues that can help the mothers produce greater amount of milk. Furthermore, they have the power to reduce the indications of morphine intoxication, tolerance, and addiction. It could be an effective therapy in long-term treatment of opioid dependence.

How Can You Use Them In Your Diet? 

They are slightly bitter and peppery with a crunchy texture. You can powder these and add them to juices/smoothies, or roast them lightly to release the essential oils and then grind them with grated coconut, roasted garlic and other spices to make a delicious chutney. You can also throw them whole in your curries, gravies, dals and soups.

Nigella Seeds are indeed a powerful healer and one of the best gifts to mankind! It’s something that you must fill up your jars with and use them regularly in your meal preparations.

We hope this article helps you get healthier. For more on nutrition, check out Healthy Reads or you can ask a GOQii Coach directly by subscribing for personalized health coaching here: https://goqiiapp.page.link/bsr

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Healthy Eating: Nutritious Jackfruit Dumplings

jackfruit dumplingsKumbilappam is an authentic snack of Kerala. It is made at most homes in Kerala during the Jackfruit season. These Jackfruit Dumplings are prepared using ripe jackfruit puree, jaggery, grated coconut, cumin seed powder, cardamom powder and rice flour. This snack has different names in different parts of Kerala such as Chaka kumbulappam, Chakka Appam, Vazhanayappam and Theraliyappam. The mixture is wrapped and steamed in Indian Bay leaves which imparts a special fragrance.

Ingredients:

  • Ripe jackfruit pods/bulbs – 2cups
  • Jaggery -1 cup (adjust according to your taste)
  • Grated coconut – 1 cup
  • Rice flour(roasted) – 2 cups
  • Powdered cardamom – ½ tsp
  • Crushed/powdered cumin seeds – ½ tsp
  • Bay leaves – 12 
  • A pinch of Salt 

Method:

  1. Remove the seeds from jackfruit pods and pressure cook the jackfruit for 2-3 whistles.
  2. After cooling, blend it into a smooth paste in a mixer and transfer it to a bowl.
  3. Add jaggery, grated coconut, cardamom powder, cumin seed powder and salt and just pulse it (do not make it like a paste).
  4. Add this mixture to the jackfruit puree and mix well.
  5. Add roasted rice flour little by little and make a smooth dough out of it which is not too hard. If the dough is hard, add little water and don’t worry if the dough is slightly liquidy. The rice flour will absorb the moisture.
  6. Cover and keep aside for about 10 minutes.
  7. Make cones from the bay leaves using a toothpick. Leave the upper edge of the leaf to close the cone.
  8. Put the dough into the cone and cover the top with the upper edge of the leaf. Continue the process until the entire dough is used up.
  9. Place these yummy dumplings in a steamer and steam it for 30-45 minutes.
  10. Serve warm! Once cool, you can store these jackfruit dumplings in a fridge and steam them before eating! 

Quick Tips 

  • You can use banana leaves if bay leaves are not available
  • You can also transfer the prepared smooth dough into a plate (brush a little ghee) and steam it in a steamer until done.

Health Benefits of Jackfruit Dumplings

  • The fruit is made of easily digestible bulbs with simple sugars that when eaten, replenish energy. 100g of jackfruit gives 94 calories, 1g protein, 2g dietary fiber.
  • It’s rich in vitamin C. Hence, it improves the immune system and slows aging of the skin. 
  • High in antioxidants – Carotenoids, the pigments that give jackfruit its yellow colour, are high in vitamin A. These protect cells from damage, prevent eye diseases and heart diseases. Vitamin A is capable of keeping mucous membrane and skin healthy. Beta carotene present in the jackfruit lowers the risk of lung disease and oral cancer.
  • It has the potential to reduce the risk of heart disease due to its content of potassium, magnesium and fiber. Being a rich source of potassium, it has the ability to control heart rate and high blood pressure. The magnesium content helps in the absorption of calcium and strengthens the bones.
  • Improves the digestion as it is rich in soluble and insoluble fiber thereby and keeps your bowel movements regular.
  • It is a rich source of iron and helps in keeping anaemia at bay and improves blood circulation too.
  • Being rich in copper, it helps in thyroid metabolism especially in hormone production and absorption.

We hope you enjoy this delicious Jackfruit Dumpling recipe! Do try it out and let us know your experience in the comments below. 

For more healthy recipes check out Healthy Reads or ask a GOQii Coach directly by subscribing for personalized health coaching here: https://goqiiapp.page.link/bsr

#BeTheForce 

From Terminal Illness To Complete Wellness! Ananda Mukherjee Health Story

As we observe World Cancer Day under the powerful theme ‘United by Unique’ (2025-2027)**, we are reminded that every individual’s journey with cancer is distinct, yet united by shared resilience, hope, and the collective fight against this disease. This theme places people at the centre of care and their stories at the heart of the […]