Modern life is busy. It’s not unusual for today’s adults to be holding down jobs, caring for kids and getting the chores done while simultaneously working on side hustles and getting to the gym to keep themselves in shape. And while many of us manage to juggle all this most of the time, a cheat day every now and then is a much-deserved treat. The pans stay in the cupboard and we hop online to search ‘best curry house near me’ and place an order.
For some, cheat day is a chance to indulge in dishes or ingredients they wouldn’t normally eat – perhaps something carb-heavy or creamy. But if you’re someone who likes to opt for a healthier dish even on cheat days, there are still plenty of options when it comes to curry; Indian restaurants have lots of veggie options and low calorie dishes. Here are five of the best.
Tarka dall
Healthy, nutritious, filling and delicious, tarka dall is a great option if you want to keep cheat day healthy. This hearty dish is made with lentils, onion, garlic, tomatoes and spices, ensuring you get a few of your five-a-day in while enjoying something indulgent. If you’re not trying to cut the carbs, add a naan or paratha to round out your meal.
Chicken jalfrezi
If you like your curries on the spicy side, a chicken jalfrezi is a great choice for cheat day. Cooked with onion, green peppers and fresh chillies, it’ll satisfy your curry craving without piling on the calories. Even with a serving of pilaw rice, it’s still a healthier choice.
Palak bhajee
Packed with leafy greens such as spinach and kale, palak bhajee is both super tasty and super healthy. The veggies are cooked with lots of mild, beneficial spices, from cumin seeds and turmeric to amchur. You can pair this with a side such as bombay aloo if you want to keep carbs to a minimum, or enjoy the dish with naan or a serving of rice.
Tandoori fish
White fish such as sea bass is a great source of lean protein, omega-3 fatty acids and various vitamins and minerals. Cooked in a traditional Tandoori clay oven with mild spices, it’s a healthy and flavourful option. A side of sag aloo or aloo gobi can be added for a balanced meal.
Bhuna Egg
This medium-hot curry is made with fresh herbs and traditional spices, with eggs as the main source of protein. With a tomato base, it’s healthier than creamy curries, and ingredients like fresh ginger are high in vitamins. If you prefer meat you can opt for chicken or prawns instead of eggs, and accompaniments such as sag, bindi mossala or roti will perfectly complement the flavours of the sauce.
If you’re looking for the perfect curry house in South Kensington for your cheat day meal, Little India has a menu packed with mouthwatering dishes. Our award-winning chefs use only the finest ingredients to bring flavoursome, authentic Indian cuisine to London. Reserve your table today.
