Kerala-style foods good for controlling blood sugar

 Kerala cuisine is known for its use of fresh, flavorful ingredients and spices. However, it is important to note that some Kerala dishes can be high in sugar, especially those that use coconut milk or jaggery (unrefined cane sugar).

 Here are some Kerala-style foods that are good for controlling blood sugar: 

Breakfast: 

Oats upma: This savory porridge is made with oats, vegetables, and spices. It is a good source of fiber and complex carbohydrates, which can help to regulate blood sugar levels.

Ragi dosa: This type of dosa is made with ragi flour, which is a low-glycemic index food. This means that it does not cause a rapid spike in blood sugar levels.

Brown rice idli: Idli is a steamed cake made from fermented rice and lentil batter. Brown rice is a healthier option than white rice because it is a whole grain and contains more fiber.

Lunch and dinner:

 Fish curry with brown rice: Fish is a good source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for people with diabetes. Brown rice is a healthier option than white rice because it is a whole grain and contains more fiber.

Vegetable stew with chapatis: Vegetable stew is a good way to get a variety of nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Chapatis made with whole-wheat flour are a healthier option than white bread.

Lentil soup with brown rice: Lentil soup is a good source of protein and fiber. Brown rice is a healthier option than white rice because it is a whole grain and contains more fiber.

Snacks:

 Nuts: Nuts are a good source of protein, fiber, and healthy fats. They can help to keep you feeling full and satisfied between meals.

Fruits: Fruits are a good source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. They can also help to satisfy your sweet tooth without causing a rapid spike in blood sugar levels.

It is important to note that even healthy foods can contain sugar. Therefore, it is important to read food labels carefully and be mindful of the portion sizes you eat.

 Here are some additional tips for controlling blood sugar with Kerala-style food:

•  Use fresh, whole ingredients whenever possible.
• Limit your intake of processed foods and sugary drinks.
• Choose healthy cooking methods, such as grilling, baking, and steaming.
• Eat smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day.
• Include a variety of foods from all food groups in your diet.

If you have diabetes or prediabetes, it is important to talk to your doctor or a registered dietitian about creating a meal plan that is right for you.

 Ragi Dosa recipe

Ingredients

•  1 cup ragi flour
• 1 cup rice flour
• 1/2 cup curd
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Water, as needed

Instructions

 Rinse the ragi flour and rice flour in a colander until the water runs clear.

In a large bowl, combine the ragi flour, rice flour, curd, and salt.

Add water, a little at a time, stirring constantly until the batter reaches a pouring consistency. The batter should be thin enough to spread easily on a hot griddle, but thick enough to hold its shape.

Cover the batter and let it rest for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight.

Heat a griddle or skillet over medium heat.

Pour a ladleful of batter onto the hot griddle and spread it out into a thin circle.

Cook the dosa for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.

Serve hot with your favorite chutney or sambar.

Tips

 For a more flavorful dosa, add some chopped onion, ginger, or green chilies to the batter.

If the batter is too thick, add a little more water until it reaches the desired consistency.

If the dosa is sticking to the griddle, add a little oil or butter to the pan.

Variations

 Moong dal ragi dosa: Add 1/2 cup moong dal to the batter. Soak the dal for 30 minutes before grinding it into a fine paste.

Sambar ragi dosa: Add 1/2 cup cooked sambar to the batter.

Pesarattu: This is a type of ragi dosa that is made with a fermented batter. To make a fermented batter, soak the ragi flour and rice flour in water for 8 hours. Drain the water and grind the ragi flour and rice flour into a fine paste. Add water, a little at a time, stirring constantly until the batter reaches a pouring consistency. Cover the batter and let it ferment in a warm place for 6-8 hours, or until it has doubled in size.

Nutritional information

1.  One serving of ragi dosa (approximately 1/2 cup) provides the following nutrients:
2.  Calories: 120
3. Fat: 2 grams
4. Carbohydrates: 22 grams
5. Protein: 4 grams
6. Fiber: 2 grams

Ragi dosa is a healthy and nutritious option for breakfast or a snack. It is a good source of fiber, which can help to regulate digestion and keep you feeling full. Ragi dosa is also a good source of protein, which is important for building and repairing muscle tissue.