Healthy eating is an important part of staying physically and mentally fit. Of course, this can have its challenges such as finding meals, prep, time for healthy options outside the home, and using the money for nicer things. Fortunately, we can consider the benefits of cooking healthy recipes at home which also saves your money and make an overall healthy eating lifestyle, more enjoyable. Let’s see how.
Healthy recipes – Simple Chicken Curry With Saffron Rice
If you want to develop your skills in the kitchen there are many cooking recipe articles and tutorials that show you different techniques and ingredients that you can incorporate into your healthy diet.
Ingredients
Marinade:
For the chicken:
- 8 skinless chicken thighs fillets
- 1 tbsp. oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 1 tbsp. ginger, minced
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ tsp. black pepper
- 3 large tomatoes, chopped
- 1 ½ tsp. turmeric
For the rice:
- ¼ cup (60ml) boiling water
- pinch saffron threads (roughly ⅛ tsp.)
- 1 cup (225g) basmati rice
- 1 tsp. coconut oil
- ½ tsp. onion powder
- ¼ tsp. salt
- 1 ¾ cup vegetable stock
Method
- Season the thighs with salt and pepper.
- Heat the oil in the pan. Fry the thighs on both sides until golden brown. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- In the same pan sauté the diced onion, garlic and ginger for 3-4 minutes, often stirring — season with pepper and turmeric. Then add chopped tomatoes, and ¼ cup of water, season with salt and bring to a boil.
- Place the chicken thighs in the simmering sauce, then cover with the lid and cook for about 30-45 minutes or until the meat is tender.
- In the meantime, cook the rice. Combine saffron threads and boiling water and allow to ‘brew’ for at least 5 minutes.
- In a medium pot, combine saffron and the water with the rice and all other ingredients.
- Cover and bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes. Remove from heat, let it sit and covered for another 10 minutes before serving.
- Serve 2 chicken thighs along with sauce and a serving of saffron rice.
Preparation
- Preparation Time – 10-15 mins
- Cooking time -30-45 mins
- Serves – 4
Nutritional Intake per serving
- Calories – 531 Kcal
- Carbs – 47 (g)
- Fats – 22 (g)
- Protein – 36 (g)
Food Type
- Diet free
- Gluten free
- High protein
Benefits of homemade healthy recipes
- It saves time– When you’re in a hurry, eating a takeaway from your local supermarket or nearby restaurant may seem like a quick fix. In fact, it is sometimes much faster to cook something at home especially when planning ahead. There are many meals that can be prepared in less than 30 minutes.
- Portion Control– Many restaurants and fast-food outlets serve larger portions than recommended. And the problem is that you can eat the food when it’s right in front of you. You can adjust the amount of food served at dinner when you eat to eliminate unnecessary temptations. Do you know these eating patterns can actually impact you daily? Know more.
- Healthy Ingredients– Many commercial foods are high in fat, salt, and sugar. When we prepare our food, we know what the ingredients are and what each one does in our food.
- Avoid food allergies and sensitivities– Preparing meals at home can be especially helpful if you or a family member has food allergies (1). You can reduce the problem of allergies because you can control them in your own kitchen.
- Bring the family together – Eating at home gives the whole family time to talk about their day. Involving your kids in food preparation is not only fun but wonderful. Also, a way to learn healthy eating habits.
- Save Money – Eating a home-cooked meal is much cheaper than eating out at a restaurant or buying processed food from the market. You pay not only your bill but also the costs of running your business. Water, lights, and staff in the building – except for the food we eat. The same goes for ready-made and frozen foods at the grocery store.
“Eating healthy, clean and nutrient-rich food fills your body with energy, nutrients, and antioxidants. Imagine your cells smiling back at you saying thanks!!”
