ONE: Choose an Authentic Indian Restaurant
Many Indian restaurants in the United Kingdom have changed their recipes to suit the taste buds of the British mouth. This has often led to curries becoming an unhealthy option contributing to the growing obesity problem in the UK and unfairly labeling Indian food as unhealthy ‘take away’, alongside doner kebabs and fish and chips. But authentic Indian cooking is nothing of the sort. Authentically prepared and cooked Indian food uses high quality, lean meat and low fat ingredients, and is actively good for you! If you choose an authentic Indian restaurant, you can enjoy healthy Indian food.
TWO: Choose a Tandoori
Did you know that choosing Tandoori is one of the best ways to eat healthily when you visit an Indian take away or restaurant? Of course, we believe that you should always choose an authentic Indian restaurant in the first place, but look to the Tandoori section of the menu for some of the best healthy choices.
These are heavily spiced meat dishes that are grilled at very high temperatures in charcoal ovens. These lean meats aren’t fried, so you don’t have the same problems with food cooking in its own fats. Chicken, fish and prawn are your best choices for a healthy diet, and you can always ask for them to go easy on the coconut milk.
THREE: Choose the Healthiest Curry
Chicken or Lamb is probably the best choice to go with when choosing a curry when you want to stay healthy. Choose a Lamb Rogan Josh, which is the healthiest of all the lamb dishes at the Curry House. It’s quite high in calories but it’s also packed with antioxidants that help keep your heart healthy.
FOUR: Choose a Healthy Vegetarian Side Dish
It’s true that one too many Naan breads might help you to put on a few extra pounds. However, within the wide scope of Indian cooking, there are many healthy side dishes that won’t hurt your health and will help you to stay healthy whilst enjoying Indian Food.
A nice healthy alternative for a side dish is the vegetable puree also known as a Bharta. It is a great side dish when you are having a curry and is made of healthy ingredients like aubergine, ginger, tomato and onion, along with garlic and various Indian spices such as chili and cumin. It’s eaten with bread or roti, the choice is yours.
FIVE: Choose to Avoid the Crispy and Fried
It probably goes without saying, but anything that says ‘crispy’ or ‘fried’ has spent a bit too long in the deep fryer. This is the least healthy option and so by steering clear of these starters and main course dishes, you’ll make healthier choices. Also, avoid the Biriani if you can, it was named after the Persani word for ‘Fried’.