Republic Day Special- Kidney friendly Recipes

Republic Day in India is a celebration of our nation’s unity, diversity, and rich cultural heritage. What better way to embrace the patriotic spirit than by preparing dishes that reflect the vibrant colors of the Indian flag – saffron, white, and green? Each hue symbolizes a cherished value: saffron for courage and sacrifice, white for peace and truth, and green for faith and fertility. To make this celebration even more special, we’ve curated three kidney-friendly recipes inspired by these colors, ensuring taste and health go hand in hand.

Orange Delight: Mango Tango Smoothie

Mango, the ‘king of fruits,‘ with its delightful sweetness and vibrant orange color, is a perfect tribute to the courage and sacrifice represented by saffron on our national flag. This refreshing smoothie is packed with flavor and nutrients, making it a healthy addition to your Republic Day celebration.

Ingredients:

• 1 ripe mango, peeled and chopped
• 1/2 cup plain yogurt
• 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
• 1 tsp sugar (optional)
• A pinch of ground cardamom
• Ice cubes
• 1/4 cup double-toned milk

Instructions:

1. Blend the mango chunks, yogurt, orange juice, and milk until smooth.
2. Taste the smoothie and add sugar if desired.
3. Add a pinch of ground cardamom for a hint of spice and blend again.
4. Pour into glasses and garnish with fresh mint or mango slices.
5. Serve chilled and enjoy the citrusy burst of flavors!

White Elegance: Creamy White Sauce Pasta

Symbolizing peace and purity, this creamy yet kidney-friendly white sauce pasta is both indulgent and health-conscious. Made with nutritious alternatives, it offers a comforting meal without compromising kidney health.

Ingredients:

For the Pasta:

• 1 cup whole wheat pasta (penne, fusilli, or spaghetti)
• Water for boiling
• A pinch of salt (optional)

For the White Sauce:

• 1 tbsp olive oil (or unsalted butter)
• 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 cup homemade vegetable stock
• 1/4 cup double-toned milk
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder (optional)
• 1/4 tsp onion powder (optional)
• A pinch of black pepper
• Optional vegetables: zucchini, bell peppers, corn (leached before cooking)

Instructions:

• Cook the Pasta:
  Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add a pinch of salt if desired, then add the pasta. Cook until done, then drain and set aside. Reserve about 1/4 cup of pasta water to help thicken the sauce if needed.
• Prepare the White Sauce:
  Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil or any white oil in a non-stick pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the flour and whisk continuously to create a smooth roux. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the flour is lightly toasted, but do not allow it to brown.
• Add Liquid:
  Gradually pour in homemade vegetable broth while whisking to prevent lumps. Once fully incorporated, add double-toned milk. Continue whisking and cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
• Season the Sauce:
  Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, and freshly ground black pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste, keeping the salt content low. If the sauce thickens too much, add a little reserved pasta water or extra vegetable broth to achieve the desired consistency.
• Add Vegetables: If using vegetables, add zucchini, bell peppers, and corn to the pan. Cook for 3-4 minutes until tender yet crisp. Alternatively, sauté the vegetables in olive oil before adding them to the sauce for enhanced flavor. [Optional]
• Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss gently until evenly coated. If the sauce is too thick, add a little water or vegetable broth to adjust the consistency.
• Serve: Serve the pasta on individual plates. Optionally, top with freshly ground black pepper or a drizzle of olive oil for added flavor.

Green Glory: Methi Chicken

Methi (fenugreek) chicken can be a delicious and healthy option for individuals following a CKD-friendly diet. However, it is essential to manage sodium, potassium, phosphorus, and protein levels carefully. Below is a recipe tailored to meet these dietary guidelines.

Ingredients:

• 500g boneless, skinless chicken breast (cut into bite-sized pieces)
• 1 cup fresh methi (fenugreek) leaves, washed and chopped
• 1 tbsp white oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 medium tomatoes, finely chopped (or 1/2 cup tomato puree)
• 1-inch piece ginger, grated
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp turmeric powder
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 1/2 cup water (or low-sodium chicken broth)
• 1 tsp lemon juice (optional)

Instructions:

• Marinate the Chicken:
  Cut the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces, keeping portion sizes moderate, as advised by your dietitian or healthcare provider.
• Cook the Aromatics:
  Heat white oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until soft and golden (about 3-4 minutes). Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
• Cook the Spices:
  Add turmeric, cumin, and coriander to the pan. Allow the spices to cook for 1-2 minutes, releasing their flavors.
• Cook the Chicken:
  Add the chicken pieces and cook until lightly browned on both sides (about 5-7 minutes), stirring occasionally.
• Add Tomatoes and Methi:
  Incorporate the chopped tomatoes (or puree) and cook for 5-7 minutes until they soften and form a sauce. Stir in the chopped methi leaves and cook for another 5 minutes until wilted.
• Simmer:
  Pour in water (or low-sodium chicken broth), bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Allow it to cook for 15-20 minutes until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
• Finish and Garnish:
  Taste and adjust seasoning with a pinch of salt, if needed. Given the dietary restrictions of CKD, use only a very small amount of salt or avoid it altogether. Consider using salt-free seasoning as recommended by your healthcare provider. Add a squeeze of lemon juice for extra flavor.
• Serve:
  Enjoy the methi chicken with steamed rice or a small portion of whole wheat roti.

On this auspicious day, explore our other blogs for more updates

This Republic Day, celebrate not only with patriotic parades and ceremonies but also with delicious, kidney-friendly dishes that honor the colors of our flag. Let your culinary creativity shine while embracing the spirit of unity, diversity, and health.

For more options, feel free to contact our diet team(6292252946) and join our WhatsApp group

Happy Republic Day!