Welcome to a world of delicious and nutritious culinary delights! I'm Shweta Meher, a dedicated Dietitian, Nutritionist, and Health Coach, passionate about helping you achieve your health and wellness goals through the power of food. Today, I'm excited to share with you an exquisite recipe that not only tantalizes your taste buds but also nourishes your body from within Makhana Raita.
Makhana Raita: A Nutritional Powerhouse
Makhana Raita is not just a delightful dish for your taste buds but also a nutritional powerhouse that offers numerous health benefits. This creamy yogurt-based dish infused with the crunchiness of roasted makhana (fox nuts) and a blend of flavorful spices is not only soothing for your palate but also beneficial for your overall well-being. Let's delve into the nutritional values of its ingredients, the benefits it offers, and how it can aid in weight loss.
Nutritional Values:
Curd (Yogurt): Rich in probiotics, calcium, and protein, yogurt aids in digestion, strengthens bones and supports gut health.
Roasted Makhana (Fox Nuts): Low in calories and high in fiber, makhana promotes satiety, regulates blood sugar levels, and provides essential nutrients like magnesium and phosphorus.
Chaat Masala: A flavorful blend of spices including cumin, coriander, dried mango powder, and black salt, chaat masala adds a tangy kick to the raita while offering digestive benefits.
Jeera (Cumin) Powder: Known for its digestive properties, cumin aids in digestion, reduces bloating, and enhances metabolism.
Pink Salt and Normal Salt: Provides essential minerals and enhances the taste of the dish.
Pepper Powder: Adds a hint of spice and aids in digestion.
Coriander: Loaded with antioxidants and vitamins, coriander supports detoxification and boosts immunity.
Pomegranate: Packed with antioxidants and fiber, pomegranate adds a refreshing burst of sweetness and contributes to heart health.
Benefits:
Improved Digestion: The combination of probiotics from yogurt and digestive spices like cumin and coriander aids in digestion, relieves constipation, and promotes gut health.
Weight Loss: Makhana is low in calories and high in fiber, making it a perfect snack for Weight Watchers. The fiber content keeps you feeling full for longer, curbing hunger pangs and aiding in weight management.
Nutrient-Rich: Makhana is a good source of essential nutrients like magnesium and phosphorus, while yogurt provides calcium and protein, ensuring you get a wholesome dose of nutrition in one dish.
Heart Health: The antioxidants present in pomegranate and coriander contribute to heart health by reducing inflammation and lowering cholesterol levels.
Versatility: Makhana Raita can be enjoyed as a side dish, snack, or even a light meal, offering versatility in your diet while providing essential nutrients.
When to Consume: Makhana Raita can be consumed as a refreshing snack between meals, as a side dish with lunch or dinner, or even as a light meal option for those aiming for weight loss. Its digestive properties make it an excellent choice for consumption after heavy meals to aid in digestion and prevent bloating.
Recipe: Makhana Raita
Ingredients:
1 cup whisked curd (yogurt)
1 cup roasted makhana (fox nuts)
1/2 teaspoon chaat masala
1/2 teaspoon jeera powder (cumin powder)
1/4 teaspoon pink salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper powder
1/4 teaspoon normal salt
1 tablespoon chopped coriander leaves
2 tablespoons pomegranate seeds
Instructions:
Begin by roasting the makhana in a dry pan until they turn crisp. Let them cool down.
In a mixing bowl, whisk the curd until it becomes smooth.
Add roasted makhana to the whisked curd.
Add chaat masala, jeera powder, pink salt, pepper powder, and normal salt to the mixture. Stir well to combine all the ingredients evenly.
Garnish the raita with chopped coriander leaves and pomegranate seeds.
Serve chilled as a refreshing side dish with your meals.
Effect on Weight Loss:
Low-calorie and high-fiber content of makhana aid in weight management by keeping you full for longer periods and reducing overall calorie intake.
Probiotics present in curd promote gut health, which is essential for maintaining a healthy weight and metabolism.
Consuming nutrient-rich foods like pomegranate seeds adds bulk to the diet without significantly increasing calorie intake, aiding in weight loss efforts.
Incorporate this nutritious and delicious Makhana Raita into your diet for a refreshing and health-boosting treat!
Conclusion:
Incorporating this nutritious and delicious Makhana Raita into your diet is a delightful way to support your health and wellness journey. Whether you're aiming for weight loss, improved digestion, or overall well-being, this dish has got you covered. Let's embark on this journey towards better health and vitality together!
For fitness-related queries or any health guidance, you can connect with SHWETA MEHER, a Dietitian, Nutritionist, and Health Coach. For more information, visit her profile here.