10 Healthy Dishes to Eat during Baisakhi

Baisakhi is best enjoyed with lots of food.

Also known as Vaisakhi, the festival marks the start of the harvest season primarily in Northern India.

It falls on the 13th or 14th of April every year and is considered the Punjabi New Year.

In Punjab, farmers thank God for the bountiful harvest and seek blessings for the future.

People traditionally dress up in colourful attire and participate in Bhangra and Gidda folk dances. They also organise fairs, which are filled with joyous activities such as rides, games, and food stalls.

The festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm and includes various cultural activities, fairs, and processions.

It is also celebrated with a variety of food.

Many dishes are served during this festival but some of them can be unhealthy.

Here are 10 healthy dishes to consider eating during Baisakhi.

Meethe Peele Chawal

Meethe Peele Chawal is made by cooking rice in a combination of sugar, saffron and other aromatic spices.

At Baisakhi, this dish is typically served as a dessert or a sweet accompaniment to a main meal.

Even though it is sweet, it can be healthy when consumed in moderation.

One of the key health benefits of this dish is that it contains complex carbohydrates, which are a great source of energy for the body.

Additionally, the saffron used in Meethe Peele Chawal contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that can help to reduce inflammation and improve overall health.

Another benefit of Meethe Peele Chawal is that it is a low-fat dish, as it does not contain any butter or oil.

With its health benefits, this sweet dish is a good option for Baisakhi.

Kada Prasad

This traditional Punjabi dessert is made with just three ingredients: wheat flour, ghee and sugar.

The dish is prepared by roasting wheat flour in ghee until it turns golden brown and then adding sugar and water to the mixture to create a thick, sweet pudding-like consistency.

Despite its simple ingredients, Kada Prasad is a healthy dessert option when consumed in moderation.

One of the main health benefits of this dish is that it is rich in whole grain fibre, which can help to regulate blood sugar levels and promote digestive health.

Additionally, Kada Prasad contains healthy fats in the form of ghee, which has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties and can help to reduce the risk of heart disease.

Ghee is also a good source of vitamin A and vitamin E, both of which are important for maintaining healthy skin and immune function.

Sarson ka Saag

Sarson ka Saag is a classic when it comes to Baisakhi.

It is made by cooking mustard leaves along with other green leafy vegetables like spinach and bathua in a spicy curry with ginger, garlic, onions, and other spices.

The dish is typically served with Makki ki Roti.

Not only is it delicious but it is also highly nutritious.

Mustard leaves are a rich source of vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, iron and antioxidants.

They are also low in calories and high in fibre, making them an excellent choice for people looking to manage their weight.

Spinach and bathua are also highly nutritious, providing a variety of vitamins and minerals.

Makki ki Roti

Makki ki Roti is typically eaten with Sarson ka Saag, making for a filling and healthy Baisakhi meal.

It is made with maize flour, which is a good source of dietary fibre. This can help improve digestion and promote feelings of fullness.

It is also rich in complex carbohydrates, which provide a steady source of energy and can help regulate blood sugar levels.

Makki ki Roti is gluten-free, making it a good option for those with gluten sensitivities or coeliac disease. It is also low in fat and calories, making it a healthy addition to a balanced diet.

In addition to its nutritional benefits, Makki ki Roti is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways.

It can be served plain or stuffed with various fillings such as vegetables, making for a more substantial meal.

Pindi Chole

This popular Baisakhi dish is made from chickpeas, cooked in a spice mix of onion, tomato, ginger, garlic, and a variety of spices such as cumin, coriander and garam masala.

The dish gets its name from the city of Rawalpindi in Pakistan, where it is believed to have originated.

It is also healthy as chickpeas are a good source of protein, fibre, and other essential nutrients such as folate, iron, and magnesium.

The dish is also rich in vitamins and minerals from the various spices and herbs used in the masala.

Some of the health benefits of Pindi Chole include helping weight management, boosting heart health and potentially lowering the risk of Type 2 diabetes.

Punjabi Kadhi

Punjabi Kadhi is a common dish served during Baisakhi.

It is a sour and spicy yoghurt-based curry that is made with gram flour and a variety of spices such as cumin, coriander, turmeric and red chilli powder.

Vegetables like okra, onion and tomatoes are also added to the kadhi for added flavour and nutrition, as well as pakoras. The dish is typically served with steamed rice or roti.

It is good for digestion as yoghurt contains probiotics that can help to promote healthy digestion and gut health.

Punjabi Kadhi is also rich in protein as yoghurt and gram flour are both good sources of protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues in the body.

This makes Punjabi Kadhi a great dish for vegetarians and vegans who may have difficulty getting enough protein in their diets.

It is also low in calories, making Punjabi Kadhi a healthy option during Baisakhi.

Mango Lassi

Mango Lassi is a must during Baisakhi.

It is made from mango pulp, yoghurt, milk, and sugar or honey.

While it can be a refreshing and delicious beverage, its nutritional value depends on the specific recipe and ingredients used.

Some recipes may contain added sugar or honey while commercial varieties may have high amounts of added sugar, artificial flavours and preservatives.

Therefore, it is best to make it yourself as you are in control of the ingredients.

Mangoes are a good source of vitamin C, vitamin A and dietary fibre while yoghurt is a good source of protein, calcium and probiotics.

These nutrients can have various health benefits, such as promoting digestion, boosting immune function, and supporting bone health.

To make it even healthier, use fat-free yoghurt.

Rajma

Rajma is a vegetarian dish that consists of red kidney beans cooked with spices and in a thick sauce.

This food is a Baisakhi dish to consider as it is incredibly healthy.

Kidney beans contain lots of antioxidants, which help fight compounds called free radicals, which are associated with ageing and disease.

Rajma is also fat-free and high in fibre, folate and magnesium.

High fibre helps with digestion while folate and magnesium make Rajma a healthy food.

Considering these benefits, rajma is a dish to think about when celebrating the Spring festival.

Bhindi Masala

Bhindi Masala is made with okra that has been sliced and cooked with a blend of spices and herbs.

It is a popular dish to have at Baisakhi and a nutritious one.

Firstly, okra is low in calories and high in dietary fibre, vitamins and minerals. It is an excellent source of vitamin C, which helps to boost the immune system and protect the body from infections and diseases.

Okra also contains vitamin A, which is essential for maintaining healthy eyesight, and vitamin K, which is important for bone health.

The spices offer health benefits. For example, turmeric contains curcumin, a powerful antioxidant that can help to reduce inflammation in the body and may even help to prevent certain chronic diseases.

Ginger is known for its anti-inflammatory and anti-nausea properties while garlic is also believed to have anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting effects.

Gajar ka Halwa

A typical dessert eaten during Baisakhi is Gajar ka Halwa.

Made from grated carrots, milk, sugar and ghee, the dish is typically flavoured with cardamom, saffron, and sometimes nuts or raisins.

Although it is a sweet dish, it does have some health benefits.

Its main ingredient, carrots, is rich in fibre, antioxidants and vitamins. Carrots are an excellent source of vitamin A, which is essential for maintaining healthy eyesight and skin.

Milk also provides a source of calcium.

Although it is made with sugar, Gajar ka Halwa can be made with less sugar or alternative sweeteners like honey or jaggery in order to make it healthier.

Additionally, the dish is often flavoured with cardamom and saffron, which offer their own health benefits.

Cardamom is believed to have digestive and anti-inflammatory properties, while saffron is high in antioxidants and may help to improve mood and reduce stress.

Baisakhi is a fun-filled festival that is complimented with lots of food.

Although some of it can be unhealthy, there are several healthy options as well as a number of healthy changes you can make to ingredients.

Baisakhi is just around the corner so it might be good idea to think about the dishes for the feast.