Khandvi

Bright yellow rolls infused with flavour and spice, Khandvi is Gujarat’s offering to the country. It’s made with a mixture of besan, buttermilk, turmeric powder and salt. The seasoning that goes on top includes sesame seeds, mustard seeds, cumin seeds, green chillies, curry leaves, coconut shavings, and coriander leaves, all mixed in oil. The batter needs to be spread on the back of a plate and then rolled, requiring some skill and practice. But with time, one can master this meditative process.

Besan or gram flour has been used in Indian kitchens for centuries and has a whole host of health benefits. It's rich in vitamins and minerals and has antioxidants that flush out toxins from the body. Besan also has 25 percent less calories than white sugar, leading to lesser calorie intake without making portion sizes smaller. It also tends to keep you full for longer, leading to eating lesser throughout the day. It's rich in fibre too, which has several health benefits like cleansing the body further. It's a great substitute for wheat and contains more protein too.

The mustard seeds used for tempering are also rich in calcium, iron, protein, dietary fibre, and more. And sesame seeds aid digestion, and reduce inflammation and hypertension. The curry leaves are effective antioxidants. Since it uses very little oil, Khandvi is low on calories as well.

This age-old traditional dish proves that locally sourced and found ingredients and foods are best for our health, given the climate and other conditions we live in. So enjoy this low-carb, low-calorie food guilt-free, as a snack with tea or on its own, even perhaps substituting a meal.