It is that time of the year when one of the most-loved street food items in India, the shakarkandi or sweet potato, is available in varied cuisines as it satiates hunger for long periods. From desserts to snacks, sweet potatoes dominate the winter food platter and come with a promise to ensure health.
One such delicacy in India is the shakarkandi or sweet potato kheer which is the perfect winter indulgence. Welcome winters with the quite nutritionally rich shakarkandi and whip up some sweet potato kheer to enjoy the health perks of roping in 400% of the vitamin A along with keeping your eyes and immune system healthy.
Ingredients:
Sweet potato 40g
Coconut milk powder 1 tbsp
Honey 1 tsp
Coconut oil 5g
Sea Salt a pinch
Method:
In a cooking pot heat the coconut oil. Add the grated sweet potatoes and stir gently to coat the sweet potato pieces in the fat. Add coconut milk powder, sea salt and honey. Stir gently to mix well.
Cover the lid and cook on low heat for 5 minutes. Open the lid and stir gently making sure the sweet potatoes are not sticking to the pot. Cook it for 3 to 4 minutes until it gets a thick consistency, turn the heat off and let it cool for 10 minutes.
Place the pudding in the refrigerator for an hour before serving.
(Recipe: Fitbee resident dietitian Vaishnavi Gupta)
Benefits:
According to a health study, one sweet potato gives 400% of the vitamin A which one needs each day and this helps to keep the eyes healthy as well as our immune system or our body's defense against germs. It's carotenoids content acts as antioxidants and protects cells from day-to-day damage.
Swwet potatoes are also good for heart, kidneys and reproductive system. This super food can help with cancer, control blood sugar or diabetes, lower "bad" cholesterol and chances of heart problems, lower inflammation and keep fat cells from growing which could help with weight loss.
