Power food: High protein, low carb Indian dishes

Protein is a key part of our diet, playing an essential role in supporting the immune system, building and repairing tissues and driving metabolic reactions. High-protein, low-carb meals have a range of benefits, boosting your metabolism, lowering blood pressure, and helping to fight infection and disease. Plus, they leave you feeling sated without triggering sleepiness the way many high-carb meals do. 

Here at Little India London, our menu has a wide range of high-protein, low-carb dishes that are perfect for those looking to manage their weight, build muscle mass or simply enjoy a healthy, balanced diet. Here are some of the best. 

Dall makhani

For vegetarians looking for a protein-packed meal, dall makhani is a fantastic option. This traditional north Indian dish is made with black lentils and kidney beans, both of which are high in protein. These ingredients are slow cooked with butter, cream and spices, making for a delicious flavour and a velvety texture. If you do want to add some carbs to the meal, choose our roti prepared in a tandoori clay oven.

Chicken shashlic

Grilled chicken is a healthy source of lean protein, and when combined with fresh green pepper, onions and tomatoes, it creates a well-balanced meal. Chicken shashlic is made by grilling tender pieces of diced chicken in a tandoori oven, with this method of cooking helping the meat to retain its protein content and nutrients. Add a side of sag aloo or aloo gobi to get some carbohydrate without going overboard. 

Meat dhansak

If you’re looking to pack in the protein after a workout or you simply want to fill up without going heavy on the carbs, meat dhansak is the perfect choice. Combining mutton, lamb or beef with a lentil-based sauce, it’s aromatic with hot sweet and sour notes. It can also be adapted easily at home for vegans and vegetarians by leaving out the meat and adding in vegetables such as aubergine, squash and potato. 

Chicken tikka mossala

If you’re a traditionalist and chicken tikka mossala is your go-to curry, you’re in luck. The good news is that this is a dish with plenty of protein thanks to the tender pieces of boneless tandoori chicken and the addition of fresh cream and almond flakes to the sauce. Add in some coconut fried rice and even the carbohydrate packs a little extra protein punch. 

Tandoori mixed grill

If you are following a keto diet, or you simply prefer to place your protein above all else in a meal, opt for the tandoori mixed grill. At Little India Kensington, this dish consists of succulent pieces of tandoori chicken, chicken tikka, lamb tikka, lamb chop, sheekh kebab and king prawns. You won’t need to pad this out with any carbs – simply add a side of sag or brinjal bhajee and enjoy the feast!

High-protein food at Little India

Whatever your reasons for ordering a high-protein, low-carb meal, you’ll find plenty of choice on the menu at Little India. Discover authentic Indian cuisine and ‘old-fashioned’ hospitality at our restaurant – book your table today.