Have you ever considered making bottle gourd chutney or candied lemon peel from leftover lemon peels? Give these unconventional yet nutritious recipes a try.
The last time I attempted to create something from scratch was a few weeks ago when I made a homemade vegetable broth from leftover vegetable scraps. It felt incredibly rewarding to turn what I would have otherwise discarded into something flavorful and nutritious. Today, we’ll share some simple methods to craft healthy recipes from items typically thrown away.
Creating nutritious and tasty meals from scratch using 5 different methods
Chutney made from bottle gourd or lauki peel
Who would have thought that discarded bottle gourd or lauki peels could be transformed into a delectable chutney? This chutney surpasses the flavors of traditional varieties like mint, coriander, tomato, or even watermelon rind chutney. Here’s how to whip up this flavorful lauki or doodhi ki chutney:
- Heat some oil in a pan, then add cumin seeds, chopped green chili, and bottle gourd peels. Sauté for a minute, then sprinkle with salt, turmeric powder, and water. Let it cook for 5 minutes.
- Turn off the heat and add grated coconut and tamarind paste to the mixture.
- Allow it to cool, then transfer to a blender and grind into a smooth paste.
- Prepare the tempering by heating oil and adding mustard seeds, cumin seeds, chana dal, dried red chili, and asafoetida.
- Temper your chutney with this fragrant mixture and enjoy it with roti or parantha.
Transform leftover rice into a comforting bowl of curd rice
Utilize any leftover cooked rice by crafting a delightful South Indian dish, Curd Rice. This versatile meal is perfect for any time of day and offers simplicity in preparation. Combine yogurt with the rice to create a creamy texture, then incorporate your preferred chopped vegetables such as onion, tomato, and coriander. Infuse flavor with mustard seeds and curry leaves for tempering. Season with salt, black pepper, and a splash of lemon juice. Not only is this dish healthy and flavorful, but it also provides comfort and is beneficial for stomach health, particularly during periods of discomfort.
Lemon Peel
After extracting the juice from lemons, the peels can be repurposed in numerous ways, as they contain vitamin C and antioxidants akin to the juice. Here are some inventive ways to utilize lemon peels:
- Create candied lemon peel: For lovers of citrus-flavored sweets, crafting candied lemon peel using the peels is an excellent option.
- Make lemon vinegar home cleaner: Combine lemon peels with vinegar in a bottle and let it sit for 2-3 weeks. Once infused, strain the liquid and transfer it to a spray bottle for use as an effective home cleaner.
- Deodorize your garbage bin by tossing in some lemon peels.
Khamiri Roti, also known as Fermented Chapati
Consider repurposing leftover dough instead of discarding it or feeding it to animals. If the dough is still fresh, you can use it to create fermented chapatis or Khameeri roti, which pair excellently with non-vegetarian dishes. Made from whole wheat flour, these rotis are low on the glycemic index, and the fermentation process enhances their nutritional benefits. Consuming Khamiri roti may contribute to:
- Weight loss
- Blood sugar control for individuals with diabetes
- Beneficial for heart health due to its low cholesterol content
- Promoting an overall healthy lifestyle
Cauliflower leaves and stems
Cauliflower leaves and stems, often overlooked, are rich in calcium, iron, and fiber, offering significant health benefits. Here are some inventive ways to incorporate them into your meals:
- Utilize cauliflower stem and leaves in mixed vegetables and curries. Their mild flavor allows them to blend seamlessly into various dishes.
- Enhance the nutritional value of your roti, parantha, or thepla by adding chopped cauliflower leaves, similar to how you would include methi or palak.
- Prepare a flavorful cauliflower salad by sautéing the leaves in butter with soy sauce and garlic. This simple yet delicious side dish adds a nutritious twist to your meal.