Living the wellness dream means enjoying food and all sorts of healthy choices. Taking inspiration from other countries or having the chance to travel and learn how to cook with local ingredients is an advantage for everyone. Most people believe that food in Pakistan is unhealthy and mainly focuses on fatty meats and plenty of oil. Most commercial restaurants serve indulgent food. Still, lots of classic Pakistani dishes are good for your health. Now, you can see the healthiest dishes you can prepare in Pakistan. They will give you a balanced meal, including greens, grains, and protein.
Baked Chicken Drumsticks
Chicken drumsticks are a fantastic source of protein and iron. Also, this dish doesn’t need oil, which is a win for people with high cholesterol. The marinade can be made in less than five minutes and is based on yogurt.
After marinating the chicken in this sauce for a few hours, you only need to put the chicken in the oven for less than an hour. You will have your meal ready soon enough. It’s delicious with a side of wheat grain and a green salad.
Boneless Chicken Hará Masala
The dish has only 314 calories. Can you believe it? Although it may not seem like much, it’s delicious and satisfying. Use boneless chicken breasts or any other lean protein. You don’t need lots of oil for this one, either. You can serve it with whole wheat roti or rice. It’s recommended as a dinner dish, and you will find a flavor focused on fresh cilantro, mint green chilies, garlic, and ginger—a fabulous combination.
Bhindi Masala
Bhindi Masala has only 300 calories per serving and provides several nutrients for your diet. You can use okra for this, as it’s a great source of fiber and complex carbs.
Aside from that, the dish provides considerable quantities of calcium, iron, and potassium. The side dish could be roti or dal chawal.
Chicken Keema
Chicken Keema is a popular dish in Pakistan, and the protein is low in calories. It’s a satisfying dish paired with greens and whole wheat grains, perfect for any day of the week. It has tons of flavor and comes together in less than an hour.
Karela Sabzi (Bitter Melon with Vegetables)
We are just waiting to see how bitter melon becomes the next superfood. Most experts recommend adding a variety of vegetables to every meal, so this is your chance to try something new. Relish the Karela Sabzi dish for an explosion of flavors with bitter melon as the centerpiece. It’s rich in antioxidants, reduces inflammation, and is high in fiber. It’s a vegan dish and popular during the summer.
Ground Beef Kebabs
We know this one will be one of your favorites. You don’t need to fry anything with ground beef kebabs. It’s an alternative when you want something simple and don’t think much about the ingredients. It’s a high-protein lunch or dinner. Try it with a side of whole grains or fresh mint chutney for extra flavor. Pakistanis also enjoy it with gravy and chapati.
Khatti Daal (Tangy Lentils)
Khatti Daal is appropriate for vegetarians and vegans. It’s also ideal for people who want to add more protein to their meals, as lentils are the main ingredient. It’s also an incredible source of carbs and fiber. The flavor comes from tamarind and kadi patta. Enjoy it!
Chicken Tikka
Chicken Tikka is a keto-friendly dish with a heavy dose of protein. It’s a salty meal, so lower the amount for people concerned about high sodium levels.
The chicken is grilled and versatile, so you can accompany it with greens or cooked vegetables. Try it with cucumber raita; it will step up your game. The fire from the charcoal grill makes all the difference in this dish.
Lobia Masala (White Beans with Tomatoes)
Beans are having a moment and are excellent sources of protein and fiber. Their versatility makes them so attractive to any cook. The recipe is so simple. You can make it with canned beans. It’s adaptable when accompanied by whole grains and greens. This vegetarian meal is easy. It’s mainly white beans with an onion-tomato base. It works on busy weeknights.
Visiting Pakistan
You must be so eager to try any of these dishes. What better way than to travel to Pakistan?
If you decide to plan a trip, you must confirm the travel documents you need. In this case, you must apply for the Pakistan eVisa, a mandatory travel document for anyone traveling for tourism reasons. iVisa has all the tools to help you process your application and obtain this electronic visa. Fill out an online form and expect an email with the official documents. Upon arrival, show it to the immigration authorities and enjoy all the delicious food in Pakistan!