How to Cook the Most Delicious and Healthy Indian Curry

Do you want to cook the most delicious Indian curry? Check out these healthy recipe options.

Delicious, aromatic and flavorful Indian curry is an absolute treat for your senses. While curry has a reputation for being laden with saturated fats, did you know that Indian curry is also good for your health? Curries don't always have to be high in saturated fat and calories, they can offer a variety of health advantages. Indian curry is highly nutritious, with high levels of antioxidants, vitamins, fiber and protein, making it an ideal meal during any time of the day.

The ingredients in curries, such as turmeric, ginger and chili, are among the most heavily researched plants in the spice cupboard -- turmeric's curcumin and ginger's gingerols have generated an enormous laboratory literature, though most of it sits in cells and animals rather than in people eating the amounts a meal actually provides. What is not in doubt is the cooking. Those spices are what give a curry its depth, and they let you build flavour out of aromatics and heat instead of leaning on fat and salt. But how to cook the most delicious Indian curry? Here are some healthy recipe options that you can try:

Red lentil and squash curry

This low-calorie, high-fiber, healthy recipe combines red lentils and squash to make a delicious vegetarian Indian curry. Packed with nutrient-dense ingredients, this healthy recipe will quickly become your favorite.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 cup onion, diced
• 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
• 2 teaspoons curry powder
• 1 cup red lentils
• 500 grams peeled butternut squash, cubed
• 1 cup chopped tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon moringa powder
• 1 ½ teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 4 cups water
• 500 ml coconut milk
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Directions

• Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
• Add the onion, garlic, ginger and curry powder. Simmer, stirring often, for two to three minutes, or until the onion begins to soften.
• Add the diced squash, lentils, tomato, chili powder and salt; simmer for one minute while stirring. Then add water. With the lid on, heat to a boil.
• Cook with the lid on for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the squash is fork-tender and the lentils are mostly broken down.
• Add the coconut milk and moringa powder and stir. Cook it for approximately two minutes.
• Garnish with cilantro and serve this delicious Indian curry with rice or whole wheat roti.

Spinach and chickpea curry

Are you craving a healthy, wholesome meal? Follow this simple yet healthy recipe packed with plenty of nutritious veggies.

Ingredients

• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves of minced garlic
• 2" piece of ginger
• 1 green chili, chopped
• 1 tablespoon of mustard oil
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder
• 1 ½ cups of diced tomatoes
• 1 ½ cups diced potatoes
• 2 cups chopped spinach
• 1 teaspoon of curry powder
• 1 tablespoon moringa powder
• ½ teaspoon lemon

Directions

• In a blender or food processor, combine onion, garlic, ginger, chili and three tablespoons of water. Grind until smooth.
• In a large, deep, nonstick frying pan, heat the mustard oil.
• Carefully add the onion purée and cook for ten minutes or until it has reduced and turned brown.
• After cooking it for two to three minutes, add the chopped tomatoes and bring to a simmer.
• Season and add the potatoes and chickpeas along with 1⁄2 a cup of water.
• Boil for 30 minutes or until the mixture is thickened and the potatoes are tender.
• Add the spinach and allow it to wilt for a few minutes.
• Stir in the lemon juice, moringa powder and curry powder. Cook for another two minutes.
• Serve it hot.