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Indian culinary traditions offer several nutritious foods that can be prepared without cooking. Many of these traditional dishes are considered superfoods because they provide instant energy and balanced nutrition.
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New Delhi: Rising tensions and military conflict in the Middle East are beginning to impact global energy supplies, triggering concerns over fuel availability in several countries, including India. The disruption in the energy supply chain has led to rising LPG prices and reports of cooking gas shortages in cities such as Delhi-NCR, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Lucknow.
As the crisis deepens, experts warn that the situation could directly affect household kitchens. If cooking gas becomes scarce in the coming days, people may need to rely on simple meals that do not require a stove or flame.
Fortunately, Indian culinary traditions offer several nutritious foods that can be prepared without cooking. Many of these traditional dishes are considered superfoods because they provide instant energy and balanced nutrition.
Dahi-Chura: A Simple and Nutritious Meal
One of the easiest options is Dahi-Chura, a popular traditional dish. It is made by soaking flattened rice (chura) and mixing it with yogurt. Adding jaggery or sugar enhances the taste. This simple meal is filling, nutritious, and can easily be eaten daily without any cooking.
Sattu: A Power-Packed Drink
Sattu, made from roasted gram flour, is another healthy option. It can be mixed with cold water along with roasted cumin powder, black salt, and lemon to make Sattu Sharbat. This refreshing drink aids digestion, provides instant energy, and can keep you full for a long time because of its high fiber content. Since sattu is easily available in markets, it can be stored for emergencies.
Chaat and Bhelpuri: Tasty No-Cook Snacks
Several Indian chaat items can also be prepared without cooking. Roasted peanuts or sprouted moong can be mixed with onions, tomatoes, coriander, lemon juice, and chaat masala to create a protein-rich snack. Similarly, bhelpuri made with puffed rice, papdi, onions, tomatoes, chutney, and sev is both filling and delicious. Dahi Sev Puri is another quick option that combines puris with yogurt, chutney, potatoes, onions, and sev.
Smoothies and Milk-Based Drinks
Fruit smoothies are another convenient no-cook option. Blending bananas, mangoes, berries, or other fruits with yogurt or milk creates an instant healthy drink. Adding soaked almonds, cashews, pistachios, or seeds can further increase nutritional value.
Fresh Salads for Quick Nutrition
Fruit salads made with apples, bananas, grapes, kiwi, pomegranates, or dragon fruit are refreshing and nutritious. A quick vegetable salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, lemon juice, and mild spices can also be prepared instantly.
Sandwiches: Quick and Filling
Simple sandwiches can be made by placing cucumber slices, grated carrots, and cream cheese or mayonnaise between slices of bread. Bread rolls with chutney or cheese also make quick snacks. Mashed avocado spread on bread and topped with tomatoes or spices is another healthy option.
Sprouted Grains: The Ultimate Superfood
Sprouted grains are among the most nutritious no-cook foods. They are prepared by soaking and sprouting pulses or grains and are rich in protein, fiber, vitamins, and folate. Sprouts support digestion, heart health, weight management, and blood sugar control, making them an excellent option during times when cooking resources are limited.
