5 low-calorie South Indian dishes that can help in losing weight

Indian cuisine is rich in variety and flavour, with numerous dishes from different regions that are both tasty and healthy. If you're concerned about your weight, incorporating some of these South Indian dishes into your diet can be a great way to enjoy delicious meals while keeping your calorie intake in check. These low-calorie foods are easy to make and can help you stay healthy and fit. Here are some options to consider. (Images courtesy: Canva)

Curd rice is a comforting and refreshing dish that is both easy to prepare and low in calories. To make curd rice, cook rice and allow it to cool. Add curd (yoghurt) to the cooled rice and mix well. Prepare the tempering by heating oil in a pan and adding cumin seeds, mustard seeds, cashews, curry leaves, asafoetida, dry red chillies, and chopped ginger. Once the spices start to crackle, add soaked gram lentils and urad dal, frying until they turn brown. Mix this tempering with the rice and curd mixture. Each serving of curd rice contains about 50 calories.

Cabbage Thoran is a delicious and healthy side dish made with cabbage and coconut. Start by heating coconut oil in a pan and adding mustard seeds and curry leaves. When the mustard seeds start to pop, add finely chopped onions, green chillies, and ginger. Fry these ingredients until the onions turn translucent. Add turmeric powder and finely chopped cabbage, cooking until the cabbage becomes crispy. Finally, add grated coconut and cook for a few more minutes. This dish has less than 100 calories per serving.

Cucumber Pachadi is a refreshing dish that combines cucumber with yoghurt and spices. Heat oil in a pan and add mustard seeds and curry leaves. When the mustard seeds start to splutter, add finely chopped onions and fry until they turn brown. Add chopped cucumber, green chillies, and salt, and cook for 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and add curd, mixing well. Cucumber Pachadi is now ready to serve, and it is a low-calorie option perfect for any meal.

Lemon Rice is a zesty and flavourful dish that can be enjoyed as a light meal. It is made with cooked rice, which is then flavoured with lemon juice and spices. Start by heating oil in a pan and adding mustard seeds, curry leaves, and green chillies. Once the mustard seeds crackle, add turmeric powder and cooked rice. Mix well, ensuring the rice is evenly coated with the spices. Finally, add lemon juice and stir thoroughly. Each serving of lemon rice has approximately 90 calories.

Upma is a versatile and filling dish made from rava and vegetables. To prepare upma, heat oil in a pan and add mustard seeds and curry leaves. Once the mustard seeds start to pop, add finely chopped onions, carrots, peas, and roasted lentils. Fry the vegetables until they are tender. Then, add semolina and roast it until it turns light brown. Gradually add water to the mixture, stirring continuously to prevent lumps. Cook until the semolina absorbs the water and reaches a porridge-like consistency. Each serving of upma contains around 80 calories.