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High-Protein Indian Recipes

3 High-Protein Indian Recipes for a Healthier You

Shubhangi Dubey
January 24th, 2025
38
14 Mins

Indians lack an abundant intake of protein, causing serious harm to their health!

Protein is an essential building block. It is crucial for building and repairing tissues, supporting a healthy immune system, and providing energy throughout the day.

One critical research also found that 73% of Indians are protein deficient.

Many people struggle to meet their protein requirement because of myths that protein will lead to weight gain.

Instead, protein increases the muscle mass in your body and provides strength for overall health.

Our traditional Dal, Chawal, and Roti fall extremely short of protein, making you feel weak and keeping your weight-loss goals away.

High-protein meals are one of the most significant steps towards an effective weight-loss journey.

Here are some high-protein Indian meals that are easy to make and have Indian ingredients that are available in your local stores.

1. Protein-packed idlis with Peanut Chutney recipe:

Made with Rice and Urad dal, traditional South Indian idlis are India’s favorite breakfast option.

If we replace rice and urad dal with moong dal, we can lower the carbs and increase the protein to 40 grams!

Similarly, coconut can be replaced with singdana or peanut to increase the protein. Here’s the recipe:

Ingredients:

For Moong Dal Idlis:

  • 200 grams of moong dal (soaked for 60 minutes)
  • 3/4 cup water (for blending)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon Eno (for fluffiness)

For Tadka:

  • 1/2 tablespoon oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon mustard seeds
  • A few curry leaves

For Peanut Chutney:

  • 70 grams of peanuts (dry-roasted)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 to 1 cup water (for blending)

Instructions:

Prepare Idli Batter:

  1. Soak 200 grams of moong dal overnight and blend soaked water until smooth in the morning.
  2. Prepare tadka by heating oil, pop mustard seeds, and add curry leaves.
  3. Mix tadka into the idli batter with salt, and a pinch of Eno.
  4. Coat the idli plates with ghee or oil, add salt and Eno to the batter, and pour into plates.
  5. Steam the moong dal idlis for 15-20 minutes.

Make Peanut Chutney:

  1. Roast 70 grams of peanut on a medium heat in a kadhai or saucepan.
  2. Let them cool and blend roasted peanuts with salt and water until it reaches a paste-like consistency.

Serve your healthy idli with one serving of peanut chutney for a high-protein breakfast. You can also have one glass of fat-free milk for enhanced benefits.

    Read More: Easy Instant Premix Recipes for Healthy Home-cooked meals

2. Soya Chunk Pulao Recipe:

Veg pulao has been a staple in Indian cuisine, made with vibrant rice, lentils, and colorful vegetables.

We can make the pulao protein-rich by adding Soya chunks, which provide 36 gms of protein per 100 gms. Here’s the recipe:

Ingredients:

For Soya Chunks Pulao:

  • Raw soy chunks- 100 gms(soaked for 30 minutes)
  • Uncooked rice - 100 gms (soaked for 30 minutes)
  • 1 medium onion (chopped)
  • 2-3 green chilies (slit)
  • 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
  • 2 tomatoes (chopped)
  • Carrots, Peas, Capsicum, Beans, and any vegetable of your choice

Instructions:

  1. In a pressure cooker, heat some cold-pressed oil and add mustard to crackle.
  2. Add green chilies and onion and let them turn golden brown and translucent for about two minutes.
  3. Add 1 teaspoon of ginger-garlic paste and cook with tomatoes until they turn soft.
  4. Mix all the vegetables, soya chunks, and rice to the prepare masala.
  5. Add ghee for enhanced nutrients and a moist consistency.
  6. Add 1 to 1.25 cups of water, cover, and cook for six to eight minutes.

Your healthy & tasty soya chunks pulao is ready. Serve this hot with Greek yogurt or buttermilk.

3. High Protein Paneer Kathi Roll:

Paneer is a widely consumed dairy product and one of the primary sources of protein for vegetarians.

Paneer provides you with a low-carb high-protein opinion, with 100 gms of paneer providing you with 20-25 grams of protein.

Ingredients:

For Filling:

  • Fresh Cubed paneer (150 grams)
  • 1 medium onion (sliced)
  • 1 green bell pepper (sliced)

For Green Chutney:

  • 1 cup chopped Coriander
  • ⅕ cup Mint
  • 3-4 Green chilies
  • Salt to taste

For Wraps:

  • For Whole grain rotis (without oil). You can try bajra, ragi, or jowar roti for more nutrients.
  • ⅕ cup Mint
  • 3-4 Green chilies
  • Salt to taste

Instructions:

  1. Let paneer, onion, and bell pepper marinate with the spices in a bowl for about thirty minutes.
  2. In a pan or kadhai, heat some oil and add marinated paneer and vegetables until they turn soft.
  3. Blend the chopped coriander with mint and green chilies until a desired consistency.
  4. Spread the green chutney on the roti and fill the paneer stuffing abundantly.
  5. Roll the roti and prepare a roll with paper wraps.

These delicious paneer stuffed kathi roll is a high-protein dinner or lunch meal, that will keep you full for longer.

Conclusion:

Increasing protein intake in your diet can significantly benefit your body by providing muscle mass and strength.

High-protein meals are also important to attain a good weight balance and a key to reaching your weight-loss goals.

By making these adjustments to traditional recipes, you can achieve higher protein content while enjoying flavorful meals without sacrificing your dietary preferences.


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