Kachoris are a very popular snack in India. These are safely available in almost all parts of the country and people like devouring the snack with some spicy and sweet chutneys. Kachoris are conventionally filled with some boiled and spicy mashed potatoes. These are appetising and it's hard to have just one of them.
Undoubtedly kachori is extremely addictive, but at the same time, it is safe to say that it's also a very unhealthy snack. It may lead to instant weight gain and also doesn't have the required nutritional profile. A person might even end up wrecking their gut health by eating a lot of kachoris at once. However, there are some genius hacks through which a person can eat kachoris and remain guilt-free.
Video Credits: YouTube
* Using A Substitute Flour
Instead of using all-purpose flour or maida for making kachoris, it is better to go with another multigrain flour that is more fibrous and nutritious. Even though it is all-purpose flour that gives kachori its crunchy and crispy outer, it is not a very healthy option as it is low in fibre and has a lot of calories. The high fibre content is very useful in better digestion of the food in the body. One can go for wheat or suji for cooking kachori at home. This is mandatory for someone who is looking to make healthy changes in one’s life and yet eat their favourite food.
Image Credits: Unsplash
* Reduction Of Oil
Deep-fried kachoris are very high in cholesterol. The process of deep frying makes kachoris unhealthier which is why they are not fit for consumption regularly. One must reduce the amount of oil used in cooking kachoris to make them healthy. A very simple way of making kachori without using any oil or by using minimum oil is making them in an air fryer. Air frying kachoris is so much better than the traditional method of deep frying them. Deep frying kachori leads to the absorption of a huge amount of oil, and this is something that is threatening to the health of our hearts. One can also choose to eat kachoris in the microwave but this is something that requires a lot of skill to get a similar texture. The taste however, is as good as the fried kachori.
* Minding Portions
While it is always better to use healthier options to make your favourite snack, the quantity that you eat is also a determining factor in maintaining your health. One must not forget that kachori contains a lot of calories, even if they're cooked more healthily. Eating a lot of kachoris, even if they are healthy will go against the whole purpose of using healthy ingredients and not frying them. It is important to be extremely mindful of one's portion size. Healthy food in unhealthy quantities is just as venomous for health as unhealthy food is. Starving yourself is not necessary but at the same time watching the quantity is always beneficial.
Image Credits: Unsplash
* Using Healthy Filling
Using healthy stuffing in kachori is also a great way of ensuring that kachori is healthy and fit for consumption. Conventionally you will find that most kachoris are filled with mashed potatoes or moong dal. But this is not a thumb rule that everyone has to abide by. One always has the liberty to experiment with stuffings and keep changing them as per one's nutritional and taste needs. Adding a lot of healthy vegetables like carrots, peas, spinach, and some good sources of protein is always a nice way to make kachori healthy.
* Using Healthy Chutney
Using healthy chutneys that are paired with kachori is also a very mindful decision. Generally, kachoris that are available in the market are served with chutneys that are made from unhealthy ingredients to give them their indulgent taste. While a lot of people may think that chutneys don't make a lot of difference but they actually do. Pairing kachoris with healthy chutneys is going to make a world of difference. To make sweet chutney, it is always better to use alternatives healthier than sugar like jaggery. One can keep chutneys less sweet and avoid any unnecessary and healthy ingredients. Using freshly made pudina chutney at home is a great way of enjoying kachori and keeping it healthy.
These are some great ways to make kachori at home and eat them without feeling any guilt. Small choices like these can do so much for one's health.