Spring is here, and you can shift your diet for the season. If you love to indulge in Indian takeaways but want to be a little more health-focused, this is for you. Indian food features a range of decadent, deep-fried snacks and royal curries, but you would be delighted to know that there are also very low-calorie, high-flavour options available.
Whenever you are searching for the best Indian restaurant in London or ‘Indian Takeaway near me’ on Google, there is a plethora of options ready to serve you your all-time favourite meals without the calorie concern. Come with me as we find out some of the places you can order from for a healthy Indian takeaway this spring.
Why Should You Choose Indian Food as an Option for a Healthy Meal?
Indian food has a reputation for being rich in calories, and while that is true for some aspects, Indian food is prepared using good quality natural ingredients such as spices, chickpeas, lean meat, and lentils that surely guarantee each nutritious component shines through.
Some of those would include Turmeric, which is remarkable for addressing inflammatory issues or strengthening the body’s immune system. Additionally, Ginger and Garlic are exceptional for stomach health and overall digestion, and are scientifically proven to be excellent aids for maintaining a healthy body.
Cumin and coriander make food earthy while increasing its metabolism.
Indian restaurant offers a great way to enjoy eating delicious food while actually getting the benefit of eating healthy.
What to Order for a Lighter Indian Takeaway
1. Tandoori Dishes
Tandoori chicken is both flavorful and low-calorie.
- The chicken offered has a high level of protein and is extremely juicy and smokey.
- For something lighter, Swiss salmon comes to mind and is known to contain plenty of Omega 3.
- Finally, we have a vegetarian option with Paneer Tikka.
2. Lentil and Chickpea Dishes
As we've already said, we always serve lentils and chickpeas with every meal. Everything is so mouthwatering, nutritious and provides an energy boost with every single bite.
Dal Tadaka is one of the most flavourful dishes, richly prepared with garlic and cumin, along with some spices, garnished with spices, and topped with lentils.
Chana Masala is a mouth-watering dish containing chickpeas, which are simmered in rich, thick tomato sauce. Your taste buds will be fully satisfied.
3. Lighter Starters
As delicious as onion bhajis and crispy samosas are, who can say no? These are fantastic for treating yourself, but if you're health-conscious, they can also be easily substituted.
Best Picks:
Chilla from Moong Dal: Gluten free, lentil based pancakes. Does it get better?
Vegetable Shashlik: A medley of vegetables filled with flavour and grilled on skewers over an open flame.
4. Lighter Curries
Stuffing a variety of spices into a thick creamy blend is always great, but it tends to sit heavier on the stomach. The bright side is that there are many options just as pleasing, but lighter.
Best Picks
Saagwala Chicken: Chicken pieces cooked slowly in a mildly spiced sauce made with spinach.
Bhuna Prawn: Prawn cooked in a thick, rich tomato sauce, full of flavour but not too rich.
5. Smarter Side Choices
Most Indian takeaways will serve pilau rice and naan bread on the side. If you’re looking for a lighter alternative, look below for looser substitutes.
Cut down on carbohydrates by opting for a roti instead of naan.
Change white pilau rice to brown rice to exchange empty calories for fibre.
How to Make Healthier Choices When Ordering Indian Takeaway Food
Here are some important tips for balancing your health when ordering Indian food.
Ask for dishes with less oil or butter – Most Indian restaurants allow you to make changes when ordering, so try to make the healthiest choice you can without adding butter or oil.
Go for tomato-based curries – Look for tomato-based curries, which are usually lighter than cream-based ones such as Korma or Butter Chicken.
Add more vegetables – Don’t be shy about asking for Saag or Bhindi on the side; they are rich in nutrients.
Stay cautious about serving sizes - With the convenience of take-out, it is very easy to overeat, so try to portion some food away for later.
Why Healthy Indian Takeaway Foods Are More Common
There is a clear change in past Indian eateries trying to offer a bigger variety of healthy foods. Indian restaurants in London have now added, for easy recognition, a mark indicating healthy dishes on their menus.
Most food delivery services allow you to order food with just a few clicks, which reduces the temptation to choose unhealthy options. Indian takeaways near me have started boasting about their meals, claiming grilled, steamed, and spiced versions of traditional dishes that are much easier on the body, yet just as filling.
Award-winning Indian restaurants, such as those showcased by restaurant awards, are now shifting their focus to lighter offerings.
Takeaway
It is still possible to enjoy Indian takeaway without feeling guilty about your diet. The Indian food items you can enjoy without feeling unhealthy include grilled options, lentils, and milder curries.
So, next time you want to search ‘Indian Takeaway Near Me’ make sure you remember to think Indian and diet at the same time. It does not matter if you are dining in an Indian restaurant or ordering takeaway, there is endless variety of foods that can make the meal light, refreshing, and delicious.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the healthiest Indian takeaway dish?
Tandoori chicken, dal tadka, and chana masala are some of the healthiest Indian dishes. These meals are the best because of the protein and fibre content they offer, without being overwhelmed by creamy sauces.
2. Would it be possible for Indian takeaway food to be healthy and still taste fabulous?
Yes. Indian cuisines tend to use a lot of spices, which enhance the taste without the need for butter or cream. Having grilled, tomato-based, or veggie-stuffed items also works well.
3. What steps do I need to take to order a healthier Indian takeaway?
Request less oil to be used, swap naan out for roti, change sauces to be tomato-based instead of cream-based, and add a side of vegetables to create a more balanced meal.
That's right! Now you know what to order the next time you’re on the hunt for Indian Takeaway.
