Weight loss: New Year’s special recipes to keep extra kilos at bay

2023 is just around the corner and we're all set to celebrate another year of love, loss and achievements. That said, it is again that time of the year when we forget all the diet rules and give in to our guilty pleasures. Healthy food choices may go out for a toss, leaving us feeling bloated and some kilos heavier. However, not this time. With these simple, and easy-to-prepare recipes, you can enjoy your New Years and still steer clear of extra kgs.

Also read: Potato recipes that can be a great addition to your weight loss plan

To make this wholesome cake, preheat the oven to 200 degrees C. Mix all the dry ingredients together including whole-wheat flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and nuts. Take another bowl and blend in the curd and oil together. Then mix the dry ingredients into this bowl. Add water and bring it to a dripping consistency. Oil the bottom of the baking container and pour in the batter. Next, bake at 170 degrees C for an hour and 15 minutes. Let it cool down a little and serve.

Rinse and soak a cup of moong dal in water for 2-3 hours. Drain and add to a blender. Add chilli, ginger and cumin and blend to form a smooth paste. Add turmeric, coriander, hing and salt to the batter. Mix well and form a thick batter with a flowing consistency while adding water. Pour a ladle of batter onto a hot tawa and spread gently. Sprinkle some olive oil over the chilla. Cover and let it cook on medium flame. Flip the chilla to cook on both sides. Serve with green chutney.

Let's make sprouts chaat, for a tangy yet healthy experience. Mix all ingredients together - kala chana-sprouts, boiled soya beans, sprouts dal, rajma, diced paneer, chopped coriander, chopped onions, salt, chaat masala and roasted cumin seeds. Serve it on a plate and squeeze some lime juice on it.

Heat mustard oil in a pan. Add the cumin seeds and when it starts to crackle, add diced onions. Add the ginger and garlic paste next. Stir and add all the dry spices and salt. Saute for a minute and then add the boneless chicken. Cook on medium high heat and keep stirring. Add the green chilies and a cup of water to the pan. Bring to a boil and simmer with a lid on for about 25 minutes. Once the chicken is cooked, mix the cauliflower florets, cover and cook for another 10-12 minutes. Top it with some coriander leaves and squeeze lemon juice. Turn off heat and serve roti, naan or rice.

Gather all the ingredients - 1 cup quinoa, 1 cup moong dal raw, onion, ginger, cumin seeds, garlic, green chillies, salt, and oil. Rinse and soak the quinoa and moong dal for 15-20 minutes. In a pressure cooker, add quinoa, moong dal, and water in it and cook for 3 whistles. Meanwhile, in a blender, prepare a paste of onion, ginger, garlic, and green chilies. In a saucepan, heat oil and add cumin seeds and the prepared paste, saute. Add all the spices and mix until less raw. Add the cooked quinoa, moong dal and mix well. Serve hot and garnish with coriander leaves.