5 light and healthy dishes from South India you must try
First Published Sep 28, 2024, 10:51 AM IST
After a long day at work, figuring out what to cook for dinner can feel like a daunting task. Sometimes, an evening snack can ruin your appetite, yet going to bed hungry isn’t a pleasant option either.
Health experts suggest that dinner should be light. Here some healthy and delicious options for a light evening meal. These dishes are not only nutritious but also quick to prepare.
1. Rice and Rasam
Rice-rasam makes for an excellent dinner option. The rice will be ready after just two whistles. For the rasam, combine cumin, black pepper, one tomato, a teaspoon of red chili powder, and a sprinkle of coriander leaves, and you'll have a delicious dish in no time. Pair it with pickle for a satisfying meal, as many people enjoy the comforting combination of rice and rasam.
2. Upma
Upma can be easily prepared using semolina, onion, tomato, green chillies, and a touch of oil, all without taking much time. You can also enhance your upma by adding beans, peas, or any other vegetables you prefer. This makes upma a delightful option for dinner as well.
3. Idli or Dosa
If you don't have any vegetables to cook at dinner, idli is a great option. If you have idli batter at home, you can prepare it quickly. Steamed food is ideal for the evening meal, and you can enjoy it with chutney powder. Alternatively, if you have dosa batter, you can whip up oil-free dosas, which pair perfectly with pickle. There's no need to prepare chutney or side dishes, making this a simple and satisfying dinner choice.
4. Lemon Rice
Leftover rice from morning can be easily turned into tasty lemon rice with just a few ingredients. Simply add one or two green chillies, chopped onion, mustard, cumin, and a splash of lemon juice, and your dish will be ready in five to six minutes. It pairs beautifully with any chutney powder you have available. Alternatively, you can prepare Puliyogare or Tomato Rice for a delicious twist.
5. Curd Rice
Simply mix rice with curd for a quick and satisfying dinner. If you have yogurt, you can either chop it finely or blend it in a mixer to create buttermilk. Curd rice pairs wonderfully with pickle or fried chillies, making for a delicious and refreshing meal.