Tikka Chance On Me

20/10/19

When we think of sitting down to a curry, we often think of it as a treat food. A once in a while food. However, have we been overlooking a really easy way in which to make your curry healthier than ever?

Lean meat – check
Spray oil – check
Added vegetables – check
JD Seasoning curry kit – check
Fluffy white rice (mound of) – check

You see where we’re going with this, don’t you.

White rice is the usual curry staple but there are other alternatives out there that could really transform your curry from a once-in-a-while treat to one of your healthiest dishes.

Quinoa
How can you eat something you can’t pronounce. It’s KeenWa. There. Sorted. Now, quinoa is a grain that you rinse and boil. It’s a little nutty and adds an extra dimension to your rogan but quinoa is amazingly gentle on your digestive system and really helps fibre-wise, if you catch the drift. Quinoa has the second most protein of any grain and contains all of the essential amino acids. Naturally gluten free too!

Cauliflower Rice / Broccoli Rice
Give you cauliflower or broccoli a blitz in a food processor and then roast it with a tiny bit of spray oil. Cauliflower is much lower in carbohydrate than rice but it also gives you a day’s worth of Vitamin C in one portion. Broccoli rice is also low carb option, with plenty of fibre, iron and a great source of plant-based protein.

Brown Rice
Not ready to make such a big leap? You can make a simple swap to brown rice, which has plenty of fibre and is good at keeping you feeling satisfied. If you’re a lifelong white rice fan, you could make a gradual change by starting with half white and half brown rice. Give it a go.

Couscous
Made from wheat, couscous isn’t a million miles away from pasta so it might be a good alternative to begin your food exploration with. Rich in calcium, couscous also gives you a healthy dose of the Vitamin Bs.  

Freekeh
Get your freekeh on! This supergrain has even more fibre and protein than quinoa

Bulgur Wheat
With a reassuring quarter of your daily fibre, bulgur – or cracked – wheat is another great source of plant-based protein.

Taking a chance on something new can feel daunting but most supermarkets have pouches that are ready-made. This is a great way to sample ones that you fancy trying and to get a great idea of how they should look and taste before trying to make it for yourself. There’s nothing to lose and everything to gain, like extra fibre, vitamins and minerals.