Let’s face it! With ancient centuries evolving into the modern age, and post-modernised ‘isms’ bridge the gap between gendered roles – cooking ain’t a job of a woman anymore; it is a life skill. Gone are the days when culinary finesse used to be one of the top pointers on a woman’s quality sheets. Nowadays, as the gendered distinctions are fading, the kitchen has become almost like a sanctuary for people who are independent, free-spirited and like to live on their own terms. Now, leading life on own terms sometimes comes with the hassle of consuming fast-food, and a lot of junk, which eventually adds to the unhealthy quotient in one’s lifestyle. Hence, learning to cook isn’t a fancy skill to acquire; it is a necessity rather.
However, several people are yet to nail the culinary skill. But that doesn’t mean they won’t be able to whip up some healthy dishes at home. Here are 5 options you can cook at home without breaking a sweat. Read on.
Curd rice: Curd Rice is a simple and uncomplicated recipe from South India, which is simply curd, rice and tempering. Usually ponni rice is used for curd rice, so take some boiled rice in a flat bowl, and add some curd. Chop ginger, chop some green chillies, and add them to the rice and curd. Now add some grated carrots. For tempering, in a hot pan, add some ghee, dried red chillies, mustard seeds, urad dal (to give it a bite and the nutty flavour enhances the taste), heeng, and curry leaves. Cool the tempering a little, then add it to the rice. Mash it well with your hand. You can also add a little milk if you want. Mix it properly. Serve it with some pickle and appalam and enjoy this light to your tummy, Curd Rice!
Khichdi: Khichdi may seem like a common dish cooked now and then in Indian households, but it is so because of the simplicity of it lies in the cooking. Take rice and moong dal in a bowl and wash them 3-4 times. Drain this and transfer it into a pressure cooker along with turmeric, oil, water and salt. Mix well and close the lid. Cook for 4 whistles, the first on high flame and the next 3 on medium heat. Wait for the steam pressure to come down naturally, which will take 8-10 minutes. After opening the lid, add ghee and serve hot. You can also add some Aloo Bhaja and an Omelette with the Khichdi for your lunch.
Curd Poha: Curd poha also known as Dahi Chura, is one of the most famous dishes in UP and Bihar. To make curd poha, one has to start off by washing the poha with water and drain completely. Then set the poha aside for a few minutes until it becomes soft. In a mixing bowl, combine the dahi and one spoon of jaggery, and mix well. Add the soaked poha to the dahi mixture and mix thoroughly. You can garnish with more jaggery powder and chopped fruits and nuts (if using) before serving as per your taste.
Besan Chilla: Besan chilla is not only one of the easiest options for a quick breakfast but also one of the healthiest. This simple yet soul-filling food not only appeases your tummy but also keeps the body weight in check. To make besan chilla, take besan, green chillies, onions, salt, and turmeric powder in a bowl. Add water to the bowl and mix everything well. To a heated pan, add some ghee. Take a small amount and evenly spread it on the pan. Fry this on both sides like a thin pancake. Serve it with an achaar or pickle or a chutney of your preference.
Fried rice: Fried rice hands down is one of the most popular and wholesome recipes around. On one hand, it is the top comfort foods of all time, on the other hand, it is delectable too. To make a one-pot fried rice at home, first wash and soak rice in water for about 30-40 minutes. Then wash and finely chop all the seasonal veggies. Prepare the sauce for the rice using soy sauce, black pepper and ginger garlic paste to your taste. In a pressure cooker, add the soaked rice along with the veggies, water, vegetable oil, and sauce and mix the ingredients well. Put the cooker over medium flame, close the lid, and let it cook until 2 whistles. Open the lid, serve the rice, and enjoy!
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