Maintaining a balanced and nutritious diet is a key component of any successful weight loss journey. While it’s crucial to avoid high-calorie foods, that doesn’t mean your meals have to be bland. Elevate your dining experience with low-calorie chutneys that not only add flavor but also contribute to your weight loss goals. Abhilasha V, Chief Clinical Nutritionist & HOD at Cloudnine Group of Hospitals in Bengaluru, shares five delicious chutney recipes that are easy to prepare and perfect for those looking to shed pounds.
1. Cilantro Mint Chutney:
- Ingredients: Fresh cilantro (1 cup), fresh mint leaves (1/2 cup), green chilies (2-3, adjust to taste), lemon juice (2 tablespoons), salt (to taste).
- Instructions: Blend all the ingredients until smooth, adjusting salt and lemon juice to taste.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
2. Tomato Garlic Chutney:
- Ingredients: Ripe tomatoes (2 medium-sized), garlic cloves (4-5), vinegar (1 tablespoon), salt (to taste), sugar (optional, a pinch).
- Instructions: Sauté chopped tomatoes and garlic until soft, then blend with vinegar, salt, and sugar if using, until smooth.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
3. Coconut Curry Leaf Chutney:
- Ingredients: Fresh or desiccated coconut (1/2 cup), curry leaves (1/4 cup), green chilies (2-3), ginger (small piece), asafoetida (a pinch), lemon juice (1 tablespoon), salt (to taste).
- Instructions: Dry roast coconut, curry leaves, green chilies, and ginger until lightly browned. Blend with water, asafoetida, lemon juice, and salt until smooth.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
4. Apple Cinnamon Chutney:
- Ingredients: Apples (2 medium-sized), cinnamon powder (1 teaspoon), nutmeg (a pinch), lemon juice (1 tablespoon), salt (to taste).
- Instructions: Cook diced apples until soft, then blend with cinnamon powder, nutmeg, lemon juice, and salt until smooth.
Preparation time: 20 minutes
5. Roasted Bell Pepper Chutney:
- Ingredients: Bell peppers (2-3, any color), garlic cloves (2-3), balsamic vinegar (1 tablespoon), salt (to taste), black pepper (to taste).
- Instructions: Roast bell peppers until charred, peel off the skin and remove seeds. Blend with garlic, balsamic vinegar, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
Preparation time: 25 minutes
These versatile chutneys can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week, making them a convenient and healthy addition to your weight loss journey.
